Turning Backyards into Bird Havens

by Charlotte Kovalchuk and Ann Marie Kennon

Wild Birds Unlimited: A Great Local Shop for Birdwatching Essentials

It starts with an ordinary backyard visit from a feathered friend. “One morning, you’ll spot a bird in your backyard and go, ‘Huh, I wonder what kind of bird that is,’ ” says Chris Darlington, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited. What begins as a moment of curiosity quickly turns into a joyful obsession—complete with bird identification apps, multiple backyard feeders, birdwatching adventures in local parks, and, eventually, a trip to Chris’s beloved shop where nature lovers come to swap sightings and stories. “I love my customers and their passion for birds and nature in general,” she says.

A NEW KIND OF CLASSROOM

As a child in Michigan and Ohio, Chris was inspired by her mother’s love of birds and still notes sightings in her mom’s dog-eared Audubon book. She carried her passion for nature to the classroom and before she became a store owner, she taught elementary science for 15 years. “I just love sharing knowledge and, working in the store, I am still teaching about nature, just to a different demographic.”

She found her way to the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise when her neighbor explained that yes, anyone can get a 20-pound bag of birdseed from a big box store but she happily drives 30 miles to the Lakeline Wild Birds Unlimited to get hers. Once Chris tried another brand and no birds came to her yard, she was inspired. She got online that night, realized it was a franchise with over 300 locations across the U.S. and Canada, and the rest is history. She purchased the Lakeline store in 2012 and opened the Georgetown location four years later.

Her Wolf Ranch store is crammed full of products: tray feeders, cylinder feeders, bird baths, books, and nearly 7,000 pounds of seed and mixes per week. Although part of a nationwide franchise, Wild Birds Unlimited feels more like a cozy boutique and is staffed with local experts who not only love birds but go through extensive training. Chris notes that staff do not work on commission and she never wants customers to have buyer’s remorse. “For instance, we have the best feeders but we will not sell you a bluebird feeder if there aren’t any bluebirds in your area. Plus, we carry only the best seed you can buy, and many of our seed cylinders are made in New Braunfels, Texas.”

Every staff member can and is excited to answer questions about seed, feeders, nesting, squirrel and critter solutions, local species, eating periods, and the best use of anything in the store to help nurture new hobbies and interests. Even as the owner, Chris often helps customers in the store herself. “My favorite place is out on the floor. People come in here because they like to talk about their birds. They could get their bird supplies at other places but they love to come here and talk about their birds and which ones they’ve seen.”

In the spring and summer, the conversation revolves around one beloved bird in particular—hummingbirds.

TINY BIRDS, BIG FASCINATION

With fall migration just around the corner, now is the time to keep your eyes peeled. For many bird lovers, spotting the first hummingbird of the season—often around St. Patrick’s Day—is like seeing an old friend. Their arrival marks the unofficial start of spring. But the real spectacle comes in autumn, when thousands of hummingbirds head south— many flying nonstop across the Gulf of America in an 18 to 22-hour journey that can span up to 600 miles.

These tiny creatures pack a big punch:

• They’re the smallest birds on Earth and the only ones that can hover, thanks to their unique figure-eight wing beats.

• Their wings flap 20–80 times per second, enabling speeds of up to 60 mph.

• Their heart rates can exceed 1,200 beats per minute—and drop to 50 during rest.

• They feed every 10 minutes and have incredible memories, often returning to the same yards year after year.

• Their tongues capture nectar at lightning speed—up to 15 times per second.

Hummingbirds are found only in North, Central, and South America and thrive in a variety of habitats—from deserts to mountains to backyard gardens. During migration season, if you spot 10 at your feeder, chances are 50 may have passed through that day.

WALKING ALMANACS

Ready to begin your birding journey? Chris and her staff are eager to help, starting with a few simple but essential tips.

• Keep feeders clean—especially hummingbird feeders, which need fresh nectar every two to three days in the summer to prevent mold that can harm the birds.

• Make sure your birdseed smells sweet, not stale or rancid, and place feeders in open areas where birds can easily spot them—not tucked into dense branches.

When new birders visit the store, Chris’s team starts by asking a few simple questions about their yard and the birds they hope to attract—then helps them find just the right setup to bring those feathered friends flying in.

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED IS LOCATED IN THE WOLF RANCH SHOPPING CENTER

1013 W. UNIVERSITY AVENUE

SUITE 330 GEORGETOWN (next to ATI Physical Therapy) 512-763-1081 georgetowntx.wbu.com