June 2008
Barn Swallows
Known the world over
It must be June because there it goes. A busy bird swoops over the field, dipping and weaving in flight. It’s wearing a royal blue swallow-tailed coat and ruddy vest, and it’s scissoring through the air on an endless quest for insects.
That stylish-looking bird is a simple barn swallow. It’s a homey name for an elegant bird, but the name suits this companion of rural farms and open spaces.
Should You Special Order?
Why I always side with customer satisfaction
I watched Nancy charge in the door waving a mail-order catalog.
“This is just what I want!” she gushed, pointing to a colorful illustration. “Isn’t it great? Can you get one for me?”
I had been aware of this product, but never stocked it for a couple of reasons. First, I didn’t like it and didn’t think my customers would either. Secondly, I don’t buy anything else from that manufacturer.
Staying Late
“Open?” The answer is always “yes.”
My first article extolled the virtues of providing extraordinary customer service. This is a key competitive edge that will set you apart from the box stores around you.
A case in point: My wife and I drove to a local restaurant and ordered a take-out meal. The only question or comment the attendant ever made was asking what we wanted. She never greeted us or thanked us. Her business will be quickly forgotten and not returned.
The Rituals of Spring
Sunlight triggers the mating season and more
This time of year is filled with ancient rituals, rituals that ensure the survival of the natural world.
Each spring as has happened for tens of thousands of years, and in some species millions of years -- birds and animals strut, sing, show off, chase, cajole or whatever it takes to find a mate with the sole objective of reproducing.
The huge diversity of bird and animal species has lead to a wide variety of ways in which the males prove to the females that they are worthy fathers.
Birding Business Blog
Visit our industry news blog for the latest information on the birding feeding industry.
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.
Pro-Active on Red Knots
For years many have heard of the plight of the Red Knot in North America.
Bird Clip Of The Month
Have you seen the birds that can Moon Walk better than Michael Jackson?
Plastic Bags: In or Out?
Having made progress on light bulbs and hybrid cars, the growing green movement has grocery stores in mind next.
Mini Feeder
The Squirrel Buster Mini, 2008 winner of Best New Product at Birdwatch America, is the newest addition to the Squirrel Buster Line of feeders.
Orange Trap-It Ant Trap
Orange Trap-It Ant Trap keeps ants and other crawling insects out of Oriole feeders.
Microbe-Lift/ Birdbath Clear
Microbe-Lift/ Birdbath Clear is specially formulated for birdbaths inhabited by birds, small fish, frogs, etc. Prevents organic and inorganic contaminants from forming.
Less Mess Seed
Research shows the No. 2 reason why consumers don’t like to feed birds is because of the mess left under feeders.
Nature's Dance Photography
Nature’s Dance Photography by Bob Beal spans nature subjects and surroundings from Bob’s specialty of birds to landscapes, floral and landmark scenes.
Daddy-Oh Feeder
The Daddy-Oh bird feeder collection is finished with beautiful re-active glazes that intensify the colors.
