LINK TO PDF NEWSLETTER DOWNLOAD
Saturday, October 1, 2022 10:00am to 5:00pm
to celebrate
THE WILD BIRD STORE’S
25th ANNIVERSARY
Featuring Myrna Pearman and
Dr. David Bird (see page 5 for more details)
10% to 100% OFF your purchase
Mac’s Dad, Doug was an avid birder (he didn’t feed birds; he loved searching for wild birds) and while he was alive he created a living will for his 5 children. Mac and I thought it appropriate that we should honor his memory by creating what today is the Wild Bird Store.
It didn’t start out that way; it was a Wild Birds Centres of America an American franchise. When we decided to buy it, the store had broken away from the American company and so was a truly Canadian retail shop. Perfect for two newbies, right?
We had a whole lot to learn but we had the one thing you cannot teach a person—the love of selling. That was Mac—he lived and breathed customer satisfaction and dedicated himself to making the store a success.
Well in 2013 it came time for us to retire. The store was not just a store to us anymore—it had become our life. Luckily for us our daughter Kris and her husband Dave had the same passion we had possessed for so many years. But Kris and Dave had an ace in their pocket—they had BIG ideas and they took chances.
As soon as they took over, they quickly realized that more space was needed. The search began for a new location for the store. In 2017 the new home was located and work began to complete the vision, Kris and Dave had for the look of the store. Initially, there was some anxiety about moving away from retail space to industrial space away from foot traffic. But with the support from our loyal customers the new location became and is a huge success. Thank you to all our customers, for your continued support in our backyard birding adventures.
Effective Monday, October 3, 2022, until further notice, The Wild Bird Store will be CLOSED on Mondays due to staff shortages. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How to Harvest Mason Bee Cocoons
Mason bees overwinter as pupae. Learn how to harvest, sort, clean and store your cocoons to ensure live bees next spring.
Wednesday, September 14, 2022 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Ticket price for each seminar: $15.00 +GST +fees
Tickets can be purchased through Evenbrite.ca
Tickets are non-refundable
Seriously Strange Nest
Unlike most birds that build their nests above the ground, the Maleo birds of Sulawesi, Indonesia, assemble their nests under the sand. They aren’t the only bird to do this; megapodes are a family of about 20 ground-dwelling birds who bury their eggs in mounds. However, while most megapodes will incubate their unhatched chicks by surrounding them with decomposing organic material, the Maleo instead relies on their home island’s natural thermal vents to keep their eggs warm. After digging a huge hole in the sand, the female lays her eggs and the breeding pair covers the hole with sand. Unfortunately for the chick, right after hatching they have to dig their way to the outside world!
When Mac and I bought the Wild Bird Store in 1997, we were avid backyard birders, but knew very little and we always relied on the enthusiastic birders who frequented the store. We learned a whole lot back then and we are still learning today.
In the August 2022 newsletter I did an article on the Blue jay and made a statement for which I have been corrected. To the rescue again our loyal patrons! Turns out we do have the impressive Bur oak tree here in Alberta, how many? I have no idea but I know of at least one person who has 3 trees growing on her acreage outside Calgary.
Why is it called Bur oak? It gets its common name from the bur-like fringe bristles that grown on the cup of the acorns it produces.
Bur oak, also spelled burr oak, also called mossy-cup oak, is a North American timber tree belonging to the white oak group in the beech family.
To see a video of the Blue jays enjoying the Bur acorns, go to YouTube and type in Blue Jays 11. Stripping acorns from my Bur Oak tree. Western Canada, Sept. 2012
We love your comments, especially knowing that you read and enjoy our monthly installment of the Wild Bird Store Birding News. It is a great pleasure to contribute to the local birding community. Thank you Jan Brenner—I am happy to apologize for my error and to inform our readers that Alberta has such a beautiful tree which the Blue jays so enjoy.
Did you know we have Turkey vultures in Alberta? They are actually quite common. Also called Turkey buzzards, they are relatively easy to identify, as they are all black, with a bald red head and a pinkish bill. The name derives from their loose resemblance to a Wild turkey.
Look for a large raptor soaring in the sky making wobbly circles, whose wings are raised high enough to look like the letter “V”. It’s thought that this flying style helps them glide at low altitudes, which keeps them close to the ground to smell for food.
Turkey vultures use their highly developed sense of smell to locate carrion. Their sense of smell is so sensitive that they can detect dead meat from 8 miles (13 km) away. These birds actually prefer to eat fresh food, and they try to get to animals as quickly as possible after their death.
These birds are dark, and they absorb heat easily. To cool themselves off, they defecate on their legs to cool the blood and help them moderate their body temperature.
When these raptors are frightened, they can be so full of meat that they cannot rapidly fly away. In this case, you may see them projectile vomit what they’ve eaten to lose weight and escape. If they target the predator’s face, the material can be blinding.
THE WILD BIRD STORE PROUDLY PRESENTS A RETURN OF OUR IN PERSON SPEAKER SERIES
Saturday October 1, 2022
Backyard Birds—Beyond the Basics
Myrna Pearman Biologist, enthusiastic writer and photographer
Saturday, October1, 2022 10:30am to 12:30pm
Ticket price: $20.00 +GST +fees
Tickets must be purchased through Eventbrite.ca and are non-refundable
Beauty Everywhere: The Sequel
Join Myrna Pearman – author, retired biologist, wildlife photographer and enthusiastic nature writer – for a presentation about the beauty and wonders of our natural world. She will be sharing new insights, new photographs and new stories about the intricacies and marvels of nature.
Dr. David Bird Ornithologist and Professor Emeritus at McGill University
Saturday, October 1, 2022 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Ticket price: $20.00 +GST +fees
Tickets must be purchased through Eventbrite.ca and are non-refundable
Backyard Birds: Beyond the Basics
The number of folks deriving pleasure from the birds in their yards is increasing exponentially and they want to know more about these incredible creatures. For example, where do birds sleep at night? How do they deal with extreme cold? Why do blue jays eat paint and mortar? And it is also fair to say that not all interactions with birds are positive. How does one stop birds from hitting windows or discourage woodpeckers from damaging one’s home? And while there does exist a large number of informational books and web sites focused on how to attract birds to the backyard, this fun hobby can create new questions. Should one provide bath water in the winter? What does one do when finding a baby bird? How does one deal with hawks? Should one offer peanut butter and what things can one safely add to suet? With at least three decades of experience in teaching ornithology, feeding birds, and writing and talking about backyard bird biology and challenges, enjoy a visual presentation by Dr. Bird as he attempts to provide answers to these questions and many more. Not everything is black and white.
A gynandromorphy Rose-breasted grosbeak. Dr. Bird explains exactly what they are.
Check out the video at: BROME BIRD NEWS SEASON 6 EPISODE 16
Wild Paths is hosting a bird tracking course on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 9:00am at Ralph Klein Park. Course will include: identifying bird tracks and gaits, other bird sign (nests, feathers. etc.), bird language and behaviour.
Tickets are $70.00 +GST +fees and can be purchased through: www.eventbrite.ca/e/wild-paths-bird-tracking-course-tickets-392003923287
Use this knowledge to level up your skills as a wildlife tracker or birder! This event will teach people how to identify different bird tracks (down to either the family or individual species), bird gaits and what they mean, bird behavior (what certain behavior’s mean about nearby predator/prey/food sources/etc.), and bird language (mainly how to use alarm and song calls of common local species to determine the presence/absence of other animals in the environment).
This is a unique course (and at a reduced price as this is the first time it is being run).
Have you checked out the Merlin app? Would you like a demonstration on how they will help you to identify birds? Stop by The Wild Bird Store during regular business hours and staff will be happy to show you how the app will enable you to identify birds in various ways.
Identify Bird Songs and Calls
Identify Birds by your Photos
Save Birds to Your Life List
Explore lists of birds near your location
Contact Meadowlark Birding Tours (403)519-8703
gmckinnonbird@gmail.com
Set-Date Tours
Set-date tours are scheduled many months if not years in advance to maximize enjoyment and birding opportunities. The group size for these tours can range between four and ten participants depending on logistics, focus of the tour and location. These tours can be viewed and booked anytime through our website.
Calgary Day Trips
Calgary day trips are tailored to fit your exact needs and circumstances as well as your personal goals. Do you want to spend a day of targeting specific birds you need for your life list? Maximize the number of species? Or even just a casual stroll through a local park? All of these can be arranged to fit your preferences and schedule.
The Wild Bird Store is pleased to announce that we will be carrying the print edition of NATURE ALBERTA May 2022 in our store. This is the only place in Calgary to get a copy without a subscription. Look for it in-store May 1st.
In the Spring issue of NATURE ALBERTA magazine, Alberta’s waterways will be explored with paddling expert Mark Lund. Also, Biologist Lorne Fitch examines the strain irrigation expansion plans will put on southern Alberta’s river systems. And the spectacular wildlife photography of Rick Price practically flies off the page!
As always, the Nature Kids section is filled with info and activities to inspire the next generation of naturalists!
Retail Price per copy: $9.99 +GST
All participants on any bird walk must have purchased a ticket through Eventbrite.ca and present the ticket to Jim prior to the bird walk. The weather plays a big part in bird walks and Jim reminds participants to dress anticipating weather changes and to carry water to keep hydrated.
Saturday September 3, 2022 Lafarge Meadows FCP
(9:00am meet at boat launch parking lot south end of Bow Bottom Trail)
PLEASE NOTE: If access to Lafarge is closed for construction, we will do Sikome Lake/Hulls Wood
Ticket price: $6.00 +GST +fees
Tickets must be purchased through Eventbrite.ca—2022 WBS bird walks
Saturday September 17, 2022 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
(9:00am meet in parking lot at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary)
Ticket price: $6.00 +GST +fees
Tickets must be purchased through Eventbrite.ca—2022 WBS bird walks
Question:
Why do I see some birds in my yard laying in the sun with their wings spread open?
Answer:
Like humans, birds do need access to sunlight because it is necessary for vitamin D3 synthesis. When they flatten themselves out and extend their wings and tail on a hot surface like a roof or deck (or even on the ground), on a hot sunny day, they are definitely sunning themselves.
But not to get a tan nor to warm themselves up on a cold day.
So, that brings us to ectoparasites which can accumulate on and under a bird’s feathers. While birds commonly harbour mites and lice, the sun would not be a very effective deterrent, mainly because these creatures usually burrow in under the feathers to bite the skin and ingest blood. For those visible ectoparasites, birds are more likely to engage in dust bathing or anting behaviour. The former involves getting down and dirty in a dusty or sandy patch on the ground and vigorously flapping their wings to shower themselves with dust.
Anting, on the other hand, entails rubbing their feathers with objects like lime rinds or even cigarette butts containing substances that repel the parasites. For example: nicotine, or even placing live organisms, especially ants which emit formic acid not liked by the parasites.
But back to the sun bathing issue. Birds habour microscopic ectoparasites known as feather-busting bacteria which were discovered by Dr. Edward Burtt, a professor of ornithology at Ohio Wesleyan College in Delaware, Ohio. Jed Burtt was the world’s leading expert on this phenomenon until he sadly passed away a few years ago. Various former students and collaborators of his are continuing to study these bacteria and only two years ago, one bacteria, specifically Bacillus licheniformis, has been clearly linked to feather degradation in birds. These bacteria apparently eat the keratin from which feathers are composed, causing serious degradation over time. It has been suggested, but not totally proven yet, that bathing in the hot sun can inhibit the growth of these bacteria.
This certainly makes good sense to me!
David M. Bird, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology, McGill University www.askprofessorbird.com
David M. Bird is Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology and the former Director of the Avian Science and Conservation Centre at McGill University. As a past-president of the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, a former board member with Birds Canada, a Fellow of both the American Ornithological Society and the International Ornithological Union, he has received several awards for his conservation and public education efforts. Dr. Bird is a regular columnist on birds for Bird Watcher’s Digest and Canadian Wildlife magazines and is the author of several books and over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications. He is the consultant editor for multiple editions of DK Canada’s Birds of Canada, Birds of Eastern Canada, Birds of Western Canada, and Pocket Birds of Canada. To know more about him, visit www.askprofessorbird.com or email david.bird@mcgill.ca.
DONATIONS
Located at The Wild Bird Store (near the seed bins). We collect your cash as well as “wishlist” donations and arrange to deliver them to local wildlife organizations including Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation, Alberta Institute of Conservation and Ellis Bird Farm.
We ask for your support quarterly for each of these organizations.
For June, July and August 2022 your donations will go to:
Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation
The Wild Bird Store offers the “Book Nook” as a gathering place for your next meeting. The room is for rent for $50.00 +GST which includes the set up of the chairs, video equipment is available and coffee, tea and water are available.
Please contact info@wildbirdstore.ca for more information or to reserve your spot.
Options for shopping at the Wild Bird Store
Crowfoot YMCA/Arena
(corner of John Laurie Blvd. & Nosehill Drive NW)
Every Wednesday 2:00pm to 5:30pm
To ensure you get what you want, please have your order in by 5:00pm on Tuesday and we will set it aside for you
Text us @ (403) 701-4571 OR email us at orders@wildbirdstore.ca so we can put your order aside.
Earn and redeem customer loyalty points on
The Bird Seed Truck
DELIVERY: Deliveries will still be made on Thursdays ONLY. Please phone the store at (403) 640-2632 any day prior to 12:00 noon on the Wednesday before your delivery; place and pay for your delivery. Please phone with your order as early as possible to avoid disappointment. If you have any special instructions please do not forget to inform us when you place your order.
We offer a discount if you return your seed bags (sorry—not the Mother Nature bags which we cannot re-use), suet ball containers, if you bring your own container to fill or use a bag from our re-cycle bin. This discount is in addition to any other discount offered.
Write a Google review on your experience at The Wild Bird Store, and as a thank you, we will give you 100 customer loyalty points ($5.00 value). To get a promo code, kindly email info@wildbirdstore.ca
(one Google review per customer)
Earn 200 customer loyalty points ($10.00 value) by referring a friend, acquaintance or fellow birder.
Please visit the store to get a promo code.
No need for a card, just give your phone number. You earn $1.00 for every $20.00 spent (excludes “sales” items, books & optics) and can be used in-store and on Mobile Seed Truck. As a loyalty member our monthly promotions and in-store “specials” are automatically given at the cash register.
Combining our Seniors 10% discount with the Loyalty Program. (Excludes “sales” items, books & optics).
Discount for membership 10% discount for members of Fish Creek Park, AIWC, Priddis Golf Club, Nature Calgary, Sandy Cross Conservation, Springbank Garden Club and Millarville Horticultural Society. Must present valid membership card at time of purchase.
Discount for Military Members & Veterans 10% discount on
purchases in-store or on Mobile Seed Truck (sorry—excludes “sales”
items, books, optics and consignment items)
Does your Droll Yankee or Aspects feeder need some replacement parts?
Is the warranty & repair depot for:
Squirrel Buster® Bird Feeders
Aspects® Feeders
Droll Yankee® Feeders
Did you know that we can repair/replace parts and make it look like brand new?
Calgary, AB T2H 1K3 CLOSED Sundays and ALL Statutory holidays for Faith,
Phone: (403)640-2632 Family and Friends. Showroom is open.
email: info@wildbirdstore.ca
FOLLOW US ON: We still offer curbside pickup every day and delivery on Thursdays.
Facebook @thewildbirdstoreyyc
Twitter @wildbirdstoreyyc
CLOSED Labour Day Monday, September 5, 2022
Go to YouTube, type in the search bar “The Wild Bird Store” to watch our videos and to help us become more visible . Be sure to click on “Subscribe” before you leave the page.
