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 feast for our feathered friends.   Billions of cicadas, adhering to 13-year and 17-year cycles, will orchestrate an emergence last observed in 1803.  This year's spectacle, predominantly across the Midwest and Southeast, promises a once-in-a ..read more

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 United States. Its striking appearance and cheerful demeanor make it a cherished MVP to backyard feeders and woodland habitats alike.  With a diverse diet including seeds, insects, berries, and fruits, the Northern Cardinal plays offense and defense ..read more

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 the impact of bird feeding, transcending its status as a mere hobby.  Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas, WBFI and Cascade had the chance to catch up, share insights, and bask in the beauty of birds through a live hawk demonstration with our new ..read more

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 making birdwatching more inclusive.  What is Project FeederWatch?  Project FeederWatch is a participatory science project that revolves around bird feeding in the United States and Canada. Bird enthusiasts lik ..read more

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 2024 Feeder Bird of the Year. But here's the best part – it's up to you to decide the winner!   Join the action-packed excitement on our social media battlegrounds – TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn – where every vote counts. Cast yo ..read more

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 family in Santa Barbara, California. Putz's earliest memories involve dancing in the wind with his mom during Santa Ana wind conditions. However, it was the influence of his wife, Beth Wheat, that shifted his focus towards the Valley's wild bird popul ..read more

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 key insights so birding businesses, researchers, ornithologists, investors, and consumers can understand our hobby and how we can continue to diversify to bring the joy of bird feeding into more homes. Data points that matched with the questionna ..read more

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, birds captivate us with their presence. Unfortunately, many birds are endangered or protected primarily due to habitat loss. Recognizing this, the Avian Welfare Coalition established National Bird Day in 2002 to shed light on the challenges birds face and ..read more

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 capacity over the past year, and I am humbled to be part of a team comprising exceptionally talented individuals—the esteemed Trustees of the Research Foundation. I take pride in working alongside dedicated individuals such as Jody Locke, Emma Bennett, Courtenay Bunner, Rob Gunstone ..read more

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 diverse backgrounds brave the elements, be it snow, wind, or rain, to contribute to a century-old tradition of citizen scienc ..read more