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Announcing 2024 WBFI Member Awards Winners 

Announcing 2024 WBFI Member Awards Winners The WBFI Member Awards Program was created to recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions to the wild bird feeding community, highlighting remarkable companies, innovative products, and dedicated retailers. Click here to learn more about the 2023 winners.   This year, we opened up the selection process to our passionate birding community!…

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Elevating Industry Standards Together

Elevating Industry Standards Together At the WBFI, we take pride in fostering the growth of the wild bird feeding hobby and connecting people to nature. A cornerstone of this mission is our Quality Standards Program (QSP), which establishes the best practices for seed and feeder products. These standards are designed to protect both consumers and…

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2024 WBFI Member Awards: Celebrating 40 Years of Dedication

2024 WBFI Member Awards: Celebrating 40 Years of Dedication WBFI is thrilled to kickoff the 2024 WBFI Member Awards Program! This year, we’re not only recognizing outstanding contributions to wild bird feeding but also celebrating our members who have been with us for over four decades as we celebrate our 40th anniversary.  Our awards program…

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2024 Avian Flu – July Update 

2024 Avian Flu – July Update In light of ongoing concerns regarding avian influenza and its potential impact on dairy products, recent studies from FDA research have reassured the safety of commercially processed milk and ensures the safety of milk and dairy products.  In Case You Missed It…  The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) strain,…

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Celebrating Pollinator Week 2024 – Birds as Pollinators

Celebrating Pollinator Week 2024 – Birds as Pollinators Pollinator Week 2024 is upon us! This annual event raises awareness about the critical role pollinators play in our ecosystems, agriculture, and economies. While bees and butterflies often take center stage, we are excited to spotlight bird species that are also vital pollinators and highlight the essential…

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All About Wild Bird Food: Milo Seed

All About Wild Bird Food: Milo Seed Milo seed is a common ingredient in bird seed and mixes, and eaten by a variety of bird species, especially birds that prefer ground feeding.  Here’s everything you need to know about Milo and which birds it will attract to your feeder.  What is Milo? Milo, also known…

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2024 Avian Flu Update

2024 Avian Flu Update In recent headlines, the threat of avian flu casts a shadow over U.S. dairy farms. Naturally, this has raised concerns about the safety of products originating from affected animals. However, health officials emphasize that the risk to public health remains low, assuring the stability and safety of the U.S. food supply. …

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World Migratory Bird Day 2024

World Migratory Bird Day 2024 Welcome to World Migratory Bird Day 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” Why Are Insects So Important?  Insects are the unsung heroes of the ecosystem. They provide an essential food source for migratory birds, who rely on them to fuel their long journeys. In fact, many bird…

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The Cicada Spectacle: A Feast for Feeder Birds

The Cicada Spectacle: A Feast for Feeder Birds During the arrival of billions of cicadas in a rare double-brood event across the U.S., a hidden spectacle unfolds for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As these insects emerge from their underground slumber, they not only amaze with their deafening mating rituals but also provide a…

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2024 Feeder Bird of the Year – Northern Cardinal

2024 Feeder Bird of the Year – Northern Cardinal After an exhilarating season of fierce competition, the Northern Cardinal has emerged as our 2024 WBFI Feeder Bird of the Year!  Known for its brilliant red plumage and captivating melodies, the Northern Cardinal holds a special place in the hearts of bird enthusiasts across the eastern…

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Why Retailers Should Flock to Bird Feeding – Insights from NHS 2024 

Why Retailers Should Flock to Bird Feeding – Insights from NHS 2024 The WBFI journeyed to Las Vegas for the National Hardware Show 2024, eager to connect with professionals in the outdoor hobby industry and unveil the latest innovations in bird feeding. Teaming up with Cascade Wild Bird Feeders, we collaborated to raise awareness of…

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Join the Movement: Project FeederWatch and Inclusive Birding

Join the Movement: Project FeederWatch and Inclusive Birding At the Wild Bird Feeding Institute, we’re passionate about birding and fostering an inclusive environment for all bird enthusiasts. That’s why we’re thrilled to share information about Project FeederWatch, an initiative by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, aimed at…

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2024 Feeder Bird of the Year Competition

2024 Feeder Bird of the Year Competition Attention bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike! Brace yourselves for the electrifying return of the WBFI Feeder Bird of the Year tournament, where the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce.  Each matchup will feature two incredible feeder bird species vying for the prestigious title of the…

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WBFI Member Spotlight – Randall Putz

WBFI Member Spotlight – Randall Putz WBFI is proud to spotlight Randall Putz, Owner of Chirp Nature Center, a dedicated member of the Wild Bird Feeding Institute, and a member of the WBFI Scientific Industry Response (SIR) committee.  Nature has been an integral part of Randall Putz’s life, stemming from his upbringing in a nature-loving…

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NEW WBFI Market Research Report – Key Future Insights Revealed

NEW WBFI Market Research Report – Key Future Insights Revealed   The Wild Bird Feeding Institute and the charitable WBFI Research Foundation are excited to publish the findings of our new report that shows insights into the growth of the wild bird feeding industry in partnership with Ask Your Target Market (AYTM).   The report shows…

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5 Ways to Celebrate National Bird Day

5 Ways to Celebrate National Bird Day National Bird Day, celebrated each year on January 5th, is the opportune moment to reflect on the wonders of our feathered friends and acknowledge the challenges they face in our rapidly changing world.   From the vibrant cardinals in your backyard to the pigeons gracefully navigating city parks,…

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Happy New Year – A Letter from the WBFI Research Foundation President

Happy New Year – A Letter from the WBFI Research Foundation President WBFI Community, As we step into the promising days of 2024, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for entrusting me with the role of President of the WBFI Research Foundation (RF). It has been an incredible journey serving in this…

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The Harmony of Bird Feeding: Benefits for Birds and Humans

The Harmony of Bird Feeding: Benefits for Birds and Humans Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, is the lead author of a recent article published in People and Nature. This article emphasizes the benefits of bird feeding not only to birds but also to humans,…

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Join the Audubon Christmas Bird Count!

Join the Audubon Christmas Bird Count! As winter blankets the landscape, the WBFI invites you to embark on an exciting journey into the world of avian conservation. It’s that time of the year again – the Audubon Christmas Bird Count – a cherished tradition that unites tens of thousands of volunteers across the Americas in…

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Event Recap: Goldcrest Distributing 2023 Wild Bird Expo

Event Recap: Goldcrest Distributing 2023 Wild Bird Expo The Wild Bird Feeding Institute (WBFI) took flight to Mexico, MO for an unforgettable experience at Goldcrest Distributing’s Wild Bird Expo from October 10-12, 2023. As the event’s tagline promised, “We guarantee you’ll benefit from coming, as we’re dedicated to helping you be more successful!”  The event…

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2023 Winter Finch Forecast: Understanding Finch Movements and Bird Feeding

2023 Winter Finch Forecast: Understanding Finch Movements and Bird Feeding Every year, the wild bird feeding industry looks forward to the Finch Research Network (FiRN) Winter Finch Forecast to project finch movement, and therefore, where a boost in seed sales and products may take place. The Winter Finch Forecast for 2023-2024 presents a dynamic picture…

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Transitioning Bird Care from Summer to Fall

Transitioning Bird Care from Summer to Fall During the warm summer months, birds have access to a wide variety of insects, fruits, and nectar-rich flowers. This abundance of food helps them raise their young and store energy for migration or the coming winter. As fall approaches, food sources dwindle, prompting birds to adjust their diets…

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Member Spotlight – Ryan Zantingh

WBFI Member Spotlight – Ryan Zantingh   Meet Ryan Zantingh, Armstrong Milling’s Supply Chain Manager, a dedicated member of the Wild Bird Feeding Institute, and a WBFI board member.  Armstrong in the early years grew by servicing the farm and pet retail industry, making very custom mixes to service their customers with unique products.  In…

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Hot Tips for Cool Birds: Caring for Feathered Friends in the Summer Heat

Hot Tips for Cool Birds: Caring for Feathered Friends During the Summer Heat Extreme weather events like heat waves emphasize the urgent nature of the climate crisis. Recent heat waves have shattered records worldwide, and summers are predicted to become even more sweltering. Our feathered friends are particularly vulnerable to this hazardous trend and are…

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Introducing WBFI Member Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Birding

Introducing WBFI Member Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Birding Attention bird lovers! WBFI is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting initiative – the Inaugural Member Awards Program. This program aims to honor exceptional contributions to the world of wild bird feeding, highlighting remarkable individuals, products, and retailers that help make our avian hobby thrive. …

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RECOVERING AMERICA’S WILDLIFE ACT & WILD BIRD FEEDING

RECOVERING AMERICA’S WILDLIFE ACT & WILD BIRD FEEDING  WHAT IS RAWA? An estimated one-third of America’s wildlife species are at risk of extinction, according to the National Wildlife Federation. This loss will severely lessen our quality of life and harm economies across the country with its effects on farming and outdoor recreation. The Recovering America’s…

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Welcome New Members

Welcome 2022 WBFI New Members! Click the company name to view their website and learn more about members who have joined since start of 2022. Jinhua Hongwei Industry & Trade Co Ltd Agra Marketing Group The Bird House RBL Group PRADCO Outdoor Brands INSPIRCO PACKAGING Essex Hybrid Seed Co.Ltd Bird Buddy, Inc. BW Flexible Systems…

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