WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED HAS SO MANY WAYS TO FEED FEATHERED FRIENDS... and your new favorite hobby

Chris Darlington (above) is just one of the reasons Wild Birds Unlimited is the largest and most recognized source for backyard bird feeding and nature related products in North America. Feeders have long been a popular way to connect with nature but what she is really selling is joy. With her knowledge of natural science, business expertise, and the delight she takes in her client base, it is no surprise sales have exploded in the past few years and she wants everyone in this growing area to know about her store. She is also planning to open a third store in Williamson County in the near future and is looking forward to helping new customers learn about and enjoy painted buntings and other native species. PRO TIP: Buntings (cover photo) like millet and prefer a spot to eat by themselves.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE

As a child in Michigan and Ohio, Chris was inspired by her mother's love of birds and still notes sightings in her mom's dog-eared Audubon book. She carried her passion for nature to the classroom and before she became a store owner she taught sixth grade science for 15 years; "I just love sharing knowledge and, working in the store, I am still teaching about nature, just to a different demographic."

by Ann Marie Kennon

"It is my joy to educate customers and help them learn what they can add to their own backyards that will help them appreciate the creatures that come to eat and add to the beauty. "

Although part of a nationwide franchise, Wild Birds Unlimited feels more like a cozy boutique and is staffed with local experts who not only love birds but go through a lot of training. Every staff member can and is excited to answer questions about feeders, seed, nesting, local species, eating periods, and the best use of anything in the store to help nurture new hobbies and interests. Even as the owner, Chris often helps customers in the store herself; "My favorite place is out on the floor. When I hear familiar voices I head out to give a hug, talk to them, ask about their birds, and look at photos they have to share."

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Chris notes staff do not work on commission and she never wants customers to have buyer's remorse; "For instance, we have the best feeders—most are guaranteed for life—but we will not sell you a bluebird feeder if there aren't any bluebirds in your area. Plus, we carry only the best seed you can buy. There are no fillers and you can recognize every element in them; e.g., peanuts or hulled

sunflowers, etc. Our mixes include the best seed grown and many of our seed products are made here in Texas. " PRO TIP: WBU rotates seed products continuously because even bird seed gets stale. Chris recommends having a sniff before buying seed anywhere else just to make sure the product smells sweet. Birds find their food by sight but it is also important that it smells fresh. They also have specialized taste buds so whatever you see on the ground below your feeder is not to their liking.

Chris learned the value of WBU seed years ago when her neighbor explained that yes, anyone can get a 20-pound bag from a big box store but she happily drove 30 miles to the Lakeline WBU to get hers. Once Chris tried another brand and no birds came to her yard, she was inspired. She got online that night, realized it was a franchise, and the rest is history. She purchased the Lakeline store and opened the Georgetown location four years later.

Her Wolf Ranch store is well organized and crammed full of products; tray feeders, cylinder feeders, bird baths, books, and nearly 7,000 pounds of seed and mixes per week. "We are problem solvers," she says. "If you're not sure what types of birds live near you, put out some good seed to see who shows up. Just remember to keep those feeders clean and they will come." She also carries many products with hot pepper flavor or dusting to keep most mammals from ruining the party.

WALKING ALMANACS

Even before the pandemic, birdwatching was second only to gardening in home hobbies. Chris says, "Every place has birds so unless something drastic happens in your lifestyle, it is an activity you can do anywhere. Once people get interested, it just keeps growing, until they run out of room for feeders. I have some customers who spend in the five figures every year but I also share that it is easy enough to feed hummingbirds with a quarter cup of table sugar and one cup of water. Simply put, it's your home, it's a natural focus, and a great lifestyle."

Anyone at WBU can get you started and, typically, the first questions her experts ask are: What trees you have? Do you have squirrels? What birds have you seen? What would you like to attract? Do you have open space? PRO TIP: Chris recommends trying a cylinder feeder and a seed cylinder to start. Place it in a space where the birds will see it; i.e., not up in the branches, then sit back to see who shows up.

Precisely organized: cage and cylinder feeders, seed, gifts, suet, books, bird houses and baths, and even a fix-it shop for WBU's guaranteed-for-life feeders.

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED IS LOCATED IN THE WOLF RANCH SHOPPING CENTER 1013 W. UNIVERSITY AVENUE, SUITE 330 IN GEORGETOWN (NEXT TO SMOKEY MO'S BAR-B-Q)

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