Blog
WBFI Members can submit blog posts on the info hub page!
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, suggesting a role for it in shaping public guidance and policy. Dayer recognizes the need for wildlife agencies and decision-makers…
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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 a quest to understand and protect our feathered friends.  Every winter, from December 14th through January 5th, passionate birders from…
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AOS Announces Transformative Changes to English Bird Names In a landmark announcement, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) has declared a paradigm shift in the nomenclature of English bird names. The move, driven by a commitment to inclusivity and a desire to engage a broader audience in bird conservation, will involve renaming 70-80 bird species primarily found in the U.S. and Canada. The decision reflects the AOS’s dedication to addressing historical wrongs and fostering a more…
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The Birding Business Event of the Year The 2023 WBFI Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA was an unparalleled success, bringing in over 115 attendees from North America and Asia. Held at the scenic Paradise Point Resort, the event featured three days of insightful discussions and unique experiences. WBFI kicked off the event with early morning brainpower at the Board of Directors Meeting and a Quality Standard pow-wow. The excitement continued with a trip to…
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Announcing the 2023 WBFI Member Awards Winners The WBFI Inaugural Member Awards Program was designed to recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions to the world of wild bird feeding, with a focus on remarkable companies, exceptional products, and dedicated retailers. After a period of anticipation and evaluation, the time has come to shine the spotlight on those who have truly made a difference in our avian community. WBFI is proud to announce the winners of the…
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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 kicked off with an Oktoberfest celebration, where attendees could enjoy delectable food and refreshing drinks all while starting their shopping…
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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 of finch movements, varying in intensity and distribution among different species. While the forecasts primarily apply to Ontario and neighboring…
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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 significantly. One noticeable change is the shift from insects and fruits to seeds. Many seed-eating birds, such as finches, sparrows,…
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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 the mid-90s, Armstrong purchased a larger mill in Nelles Corners that was originally created to make animal feeds. This facility…
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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 an additional threat to bird population declines. Rising global temperatures threaten the survival of numerous bird species in North America…
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