Why Is Some of Our Seed Packaged Differently?

If you’ve been in the shop lately you may have noticed a different look to some of our bags of seed.  On April 1^st our supplier drastically raised the cost of many of our seeds and seed mixes.  The increase was such a large percentage that I didn’t think I could pass it on to our customers without losing some business.  So, I started looking for other options.  I found that I can keep my prices down if I buy in bulk and then re-package the seed into smaller bags.  That is why you will see many of my seeds and mixes in 5lb or 10lb plain plastic bags instead of the usual Nature’s Café packaging.   In at least one instance I will do away with 20lb bags but stock more in the 10lb size.  Even so, I will retain a pricing structure where you will benefit from buying a larger quantity.   If I put in a little extra work bagging seed I will only have to raise a couple prices while keeping all others where they currently are.  I promise to bring my prices back down if my distributor ever reverses their increases. 

 

Our Own Seed Mixes

We make several of our own seed mixes here at The Wild Bird.  These mixes are blended specifically for the needs of our Northwest birds.  As a result, there is typically less waste as all elements of the mix are used by the birds.  West Sound Mix is made from medium sunflower chips and black oil sunflower seeds, with only 10% millet added in.  In many commercially prepared seed mixes, millet is used as filler and is often included in quantities much higher than desired by our birds.  Both sunflower chips and seeds are favorites to a wide variety of local birds.  Our Non-Sprout—so named because all seeds are shelled or sterilized—is 70% medium sunflower chips with the remaining 30% a mix of nyjer thistle, peanut chips and cracked corn.  Our Winter Blend is a mixture of both black oil and striped sunflower seeds, along with some peanut chips.  The sunflowers seeds are especially good in winter as they’ll last longer than chips and the oil is good for keeping birds warm.  The Finch mix is a blend of the finches, pine siskins and chickadees two favorites—small sunflower chips and nyjer thistle.   Along with providing a fresher, tailored feed for our local birds, the mixes are also a better value to you, as we mix them from seed bought in bulk, taking advantage of bulk pricing discounts.  For example… an 8lb bag of Nature’s Café Deb’s Premium costs $7.95 while our 10lb bag of West Sound Mix sells for $9.95.  That makes the per pound price of each at right about $1.  While the Deb’s is a great all-around mix the West Sound is of better quality (less millet) for the same price. 

 

Make Your Own Custom Seed Mix

Want a custom mix that is all your own?  Come on down to the shop and let’s discuss what it is you need.  I can work up a price quote and mix a sample batch.  Then, in the future, you can call or email me when you’ll be in next and I can pre-mix your seed and have it waiting for your arrival.

 

Sparrows and a Couple of Doves

April 26th was a good day for casual bird sightings.  As I mentioned on my blog, I saw a White-crowned Sparrow (WCSP) just outside the shop's door.  When I got home that night I walked to the sliding doors and looked out over the backyard like I often do.  I noticed a bird on a large planter that I didn't recognize as one of our backyard's "usual suspects".  I quickly grabbed the binos and saw that it was a Golden-crowned Sparrow (GCSP).  I went upstairs to tell Nancy and she pointed out that a second GCSP was in a nearby bird bath.  She also told me that she had surprised a Mourning Dove (MODO) earlier in the day.  We have never had doves in the yard before so this was good news.  A short time later I went out to clean the bird baths and reload the suet feeder when I also scared up two MODO.  All in all it was an exciting day.  None of these were new birds for us but they were new to the locations.

Just a few moments ago I was sitting in the shop and writing this article.  I heard a big crash outside and went to see what it was.  A large three hook crane that I use to display feeders had blown over in the wind.  I thought I had it fairly well secured to a post but I guess I was wrong.  I went out to pick everything up and get it re-set in a more secure manner.  Just as I was finishing I realized I was hearing pink---pink---pink again.  I stepped inside the door and watched for a few minutes.  Sure enough, the White-crowned Sparrow stepped out from under a bush.  I cracked the door to toss out some sunflower chips but only managed to scare him away again.  He retreated back under the bush and then I think I saw him fly across the street and into some landscaping over at the bank. 

Calendar

May

 

10th          Kitsap Audubon Society General   Meeting, Potluck Dinner and           Silent Auction. (Poulsbo Library)

 

12th          Backyard Wildlife Festival                  (Tukwila)

 

12th          International Migratory Bird Day                  (Everywhere)

 

18th          Puget Sound Bird Fest                  (Edmonds)

 

18th-        Leavenworth Spring Bird Festival

 20th

May Specials

$1.00 off 10lb bags of West Sound Mix.

 

 

15% off all Achla Ceramic Bird Baths

 

 

Buy a Bird Quest Spiral or Super Spiral Feeder and receive a free Bird Quest Seed Tray.

 

 

 

 

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