April 2008
One Man's Dream
Eric Moore and Jay's Bird Barn
ERIC MOORE WAS IN THE MIDDLE of a corporate career in the grocery business when he decided to become an entrepreneur.
Soaring Seed Prices

NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT on the record but it is one of the hottest topics in the business: seed costs are rising.
Ads that Sizzle
This Wisconsin retailer produces TV spots that make sales jump
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| Barbara Brebner's store, constructed to look like an old farm building |
A SINGLE 10-SECOND TV AD accomplishes more for Barbara Brebner’s wild bird store than a whole year’s worth of print advertising ever did.
Chance Discovery
How I created a camera for backyard birding
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| One of hundreds of 'accidental' shots Bart took of himself while testing the BirdCam |
THE STORY OF THE WINGSCAPES BIRDCAM began in fall 2004 when three personal interests — birds, photography and gadgets — intersected and led to a chance discovery.
Conservation by Numbers
Birders gain on hunters, but this trend could hit conservation funds
SUCCESS IN ANY BUSINESS REQUIRES an understanding of the demographics of the clientele.
Bold in Blue
Changing behavior and habitats could lead to more sales
AS STORE OWNERS, WE ALL TRY TO BECOME EXPERTS in many areas of bird watching. With increasing bluebird populations, we can add sales by taking advantage of this trend.
House Finch
The story behind this unusual species
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| Tennessee House Finch |
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| Minnesota House Finch |
SOMETIMES I THINK THERE is something seriously wrong with me. Whenever I travel, I notice something different about incredibly common things.
Sunflowers
Pleasing, practical and healthy
GOLDEN SUNFLOWERS nod on the breeze, a sea of gold in the fields of North America, their heads heavy with seed, providing a rich crop for birds and people.
Web Gems
Sites worth knowing, including some of my own
THERE ARE SO MANY WEBSITES it is impossible to keep up with all the good ones. I’ve selected a few of my current favorites.
Win them Over
My business success is based on repeat customers

Editor’s note: This issue, Bill Fenimore takes the reigns of the Customer Service 911 column. He owns and operates a high-performing Wild Bird Center in Layton, Utah.
Plastic Bags: In or Out?
Having made progress on light bulbs and hybrid cars, the growing green movement has grocery stores in mind next.
Sunflowers for Sci Fi Show
IT STARTED WITH A SHOW CALLED “THE 4400” on USA NETWORK. Fans watched and enjoyed - and then in December it was cancelled.
Bird Clip Of The Month
Have you seen the birds that can Moon Walk better than Michael Jackson?
Bird Feeding Benefits

A new study says bird feeding is good for birds. We knew it, but we appreciate the backup.
Pro-Active on Red Knots

For years many have heard of the plight of the Red Knot in North America.
Recycled Feeders

More than 3.7 million milk jugs have been diverted to backyards from landfills. That’s because Birds Choice has used that many to create its lines of recycled feeders.
Remembird
In Techno Birding News, one of the most intriguing products introduced at Birdwatch America was the Remembird, a digital recording device that can be attached to most binoculars allowing the user to make audio recordings of their field notes while they are watching the bird in question through their optics.






























































