Blog
WBFI Members can submit blog posts on the info hub page!
Birding’s Economic Impact: A Vital Connection to Nature The latest report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlights the significant role birding plays in both the economy and our connection to nature. Economic Contributions of Birding 96 million Americans are engaged in birdwatching. Birders spend an impressive $107.6 billion annually on birding-related activities, including travel, gear, and products like bird food and feeders. Of that total, $12.6 billion is spent specifically on bird food…
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Celebrating 40 years at WBFI 2024 Annual Meeting View 2024 Photos Here! Photo credit: RL Martin. The Wild Bird Feeding Institute (WBFI) successfully hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting from November 12-14 in Charleston, South Carolina, at the Hyatt Place/Hyatt House in the Historic District. This event marked the 40th anniversary of the WBFI, bringing together industry leaders and birding enthusiasts to celebrate advancements in the bird-feeding hobby. Over 115 people from across the U.S. and…
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2024 Avian Flu – November Update The Wild Bird Feeding Institute (WBFI) continues to closely monitor the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) across North America. As of November 2024, outbreaks have been reported in poultry and even dairy cows in the U.S., with agencies working to minimize the risk of transmission to workers in these industries. While the situation is concerning, understanding how the disease is spreading among bird populations can help bird…
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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! After a period of enthusiastic engagement, it’s time to honor those who have truly made a difference in advancing the…
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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 birds, ensuring that WBFI members set the “gold standard” in the industry. Maintaining the value and relevance of this program…
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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 shines a spotlight on the individuals, products, and retailers that embody our mission to grow the wild bird feeding hobby.…
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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, specifically H5N1, has been a notable concern for wild bird populations and, more recently, for dairy cattle. Despite its presence…
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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 work they do to support biodiversity and plant reproduction. Birds contribute to pollination in a process known as “ornithophily.” They…
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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 as sorghum, is a type of cereal grain that belongs to the grass family. Wild Bird Feeding Institute Quality Standards…
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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. Understanding the Situation The strain of bird flu in question, identified as ‘Type A H5N1,’ has taken its toll on…
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