A favorite summer Neo-tropical bird which nests across much of North America and winters primarily in the tropical forests of Ecuador and Columbia in South America is the Eastern Kingbird. Along with its counterpart, the Western Kingbird, they are the largest of the tyrannus fly-catchers. They are a joy to watch launching off a perch…
Looking to learn more about our fine feathered friends in the sky? Bird watching continues to grow in popularity among folks of all ages. The hobby—otherwise known as birding—is an excellent way to enjoy nature and become acquainted with all things winged. To help you launch your birding adventure, we’ve created a step-by-step beginner’s guide…
SQUIRREL PROOF BIRD FEEDERS – Wild Bird Habitat has one of the largest selection of squirrel proof bird feeders you’ll find anywhere. Any wild bird feed or mix of wild bird feeds are appropriate for these bird feeders. Our Brome Bird Care “Squirrel Buster Classic” is one of our top sellers with full warranty. We…
ABOUT THE DES MOINES FEED COMPANY 1944 – Des Moines Feed Company was known for selling coal, grains, hay, straw, and Larro Feeds (a division of General Mills). John W. Holt bought the business in March 1944 during World War II. Hubert, one of his sons, started working there after school and became full time in…
March is the beginning of one of the most spectacular and exciting times when it comes to watching birds. It starts this month with Robins, blackbirds, Meadowlarks, and bluebirds. Water fowl from geese to ducks and White Pelicans are on the move. Sandhill Cranes have already began arriving to the Platte River in Central Nebraska…
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker of the Picidae family. It is one of the most beautiful, yet poorly named birds that we can attract to our yards. Its common name is somewhat misleading, as the most prominent red part of its plumage is on the head. Their name instead comes from the light…
Cat Wars with Pete Marra, PhD, Research Scientist, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Migratory Bird Center, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC Pete Marra loves cats. They are among the many pets he’s had over the years, and they are a key part of his work as a conservation scientist. He loves wild birds, too. Unfortunately,…
I must apologize for the late publishing of this first newsletter of 2018. It seems that since Christmas all we have been doing is moving snow and unloading bird seed. Coupled with the extremely cold weather, it has made it a winter we will all remember. The Wild Bird Habitat Stores would like to extend…
Temperatures have definitely been falling in the northern states and Central Great Plains as winter approaches. Even many southern states have experienced some cooler weather than normal. As the mercury drops it becomes increasingly more difficult for birds to find open water. In some areas a mid-day sun may melt enough snow to fulfill a…
December is the month for the annual Christmas Bird Count. Now in its 118th year, it is fun and adventurous. There are always a number of rare or unusual birds that are sighted. If you can participate in the field, it can be rewarding. If not, perhaps you will watch your feeders on count day…