February 2025

THE FLOCK NEWSLETTER

 

The Importance of Suet

Did you know that birds can burn through 75-80% of their fat reserves during really cold weather? Super Suet® is the most nutritionally complete suet that we have available. It has the highest levels of protein and fat, so it helps birds refuel their furnaces quickly. Plenty of different species are attracted to this suet, since it has mealworms, peanuts, almonds, pecans, and walnuts. So, keep an eye out for Carolina Wrens, Northern Flickers, or Eastern Bluebirds stopping to take a bite. Stock up today by visiting our store or ordering online at MyWBU

 

What have we been doing?

Enjoying the Cardinals!

Northern Cardinals are a consistent visitor to Michigan bird feeders year- round, but in winter they look even more stunning against the gray trees and white snow! Our sales associate Ella got this great picture of a female Northern Cardinal on her Flyin’ Bistro Cylinder Feeder with a large Winter Super Blend® seed cylinder. This is a great feeder to use right now, since it can hold a big cylinder and has a tray that mealworms or Bark Butter® bits can be added to. Keep those feeders filled with high fat foods, especially during snowy or extremely cold days- trust us, your birds will appreciate it! Want to learn more about the Flyin' Bistro feeder or the Winter Superblend Cylinders, just click the link!

 

Upcoming Events

  • Sunday, February 2nd from 4 PM to 5 PM (in- store): The Curious History of Birdfeeding. Learn about how one of the most popular hobbies got its start.
  • Sunday, February 9th from 4 PM to 5 PM (in-store): The Love Life of Birds. A class that teaches you how different species attract mates and how long they stay together.
  • Sunday, February 16th from 4 PM to 5 PM (in- store): Nature of Chocolate. Have you ever wondered how chocolate impacts the environment? Tune in to this class to find out

Contact the store for class registration at 810-522-5520 or click HERE

Where is Laurel?

It’s National Bird Feeding month! Laurel has worked hard on setting up a ton of fun, educational programs, starting with the “Curious History of Birdfeeding”.


Valentine’s Day happens this month, so “The Secret Love Life of Birds”, is the highlight class this month. Laurel will teach this class three times in February; once here at the store and twice out in the community. Because chocolate is often given as a valentine, she has been researching bird habitat friendly chocolates, that are Smithsonian Certified, to carry here in the store. And she is bringing back a popular class “The Nature of Chocolate”, where Laurel will share her knowledge and insight about the history and manufacturing of one of our favorite treats, and how the chocolate industry affects migratory birds.

 

Bird Nerd Corner:

Eastern Bluebird Parties!

Eastern Bluebirds will stay year-round if they have all the right resources. Many of our customers have been attracting large flocks of them to their heated bird baths and bird feeders recently! The cold weather drives Bluebirds into more wooded areas as they are searching for food. However, they will come into feeders that have mealworms, suets, Bark Butter® bits, sunflower chips, peanut pieces, or dried fruits. This month’s picture was provided by our customer C.D. If you have any pictures or fun stories you would like to share, send us an email at wbubrighton@gmail.com.

 

Save the Songbirds:

How does watching the birds impact us?

Many hobbies have a positive influence on our lives, but bird watching and bird feeding have been proven to increase our physical wellbeing, too! Multiple studies have been conducted to show that birds and nature can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, relieve stress, boost immune system, strengthen the vascular system, and enhance your mood. Even spending 10-15 minutes a day can improve how you feel and think throughout the day.


We also impact the birds wellbeing, especially in times of need like during extreme cold snaps, heavy snow, or drought. Birds with consistent access to quality, supplemental food at feeders have an increased chance of surviving and thriving. Winter is one of the best times to start feeding the birds, because they need to eat more to satisfy their higher daily nutritional needs.


Ornitherapy is the term that is used for describing how watching the birds and being in nature affects our mentality. This form of mindful birding is meant to stimulate a healthier, more creative headspace through observation as you connect with the natural world surrounding you. Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul was published by Holly Merker, Sophie Crossley, and Richard Crossley in 2021 and it serves as an interactive journal that accentuates the positive effects of bird watching. If you would like to pick up a copy, we have them available in-store or online for purchase!


Another amazing benefit that birding can provide is our connection with conservation and the importance of protecting the habitats of our beloved backyard birds. For example, the Eastern Bluebird almost went extinct in the 1900s. It was people like you that helped sound the alarm that this species was in danger and their numbers were dwindling. In the 1960s they bounced back with the ban on some pesticides and an increase in Bluebird House Trails and now are one of the most common birds to visit bird feeders and houses. So, take a moment to look outside and observe what is in your own backyard!

 


Cardinal Confetti

Cardinal Confetti *NEW* Throw a Party for Your Cardinals

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Winter Superblend Loose

Being Seasonally Savvy for Winter High Fat Foods Bring the Heat

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Finch Feeder Winter

How to Prepare Your Yard for Winter Food, Shelter and Water!!

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