Hello Friends!

Mid-April is upon us in the Carolinas, heralding the peak of the migration season and lots of colors and songs in our gardens and neighborhoods. This month, spend some time enjoying migration and nesting birds. And, don't forget that we have Zeiss Conquests $200 off if you want to enjoy your views a little more clearly!

You might have noticed that we have fencing up in front of the store. The Hanover Center is doing some construction and this fencing is temporary though it may be there for a little while. We are still open for our regular business hours, so no need to worry! We are here to serve you just as well as always!

You won't want to miss the native plant popup sale this weekend! Saturday from 10-1:30 the ladies from Going Native Gardens will be having a plant sale out front of the shop! The fence might make it look like nothing is going on, but we assure you, we will have some great stuff happening!

Inside this newsletter, you’ll find a spotlight on a new bird species, our next big outing, details about fantastic local events, and an exclusive special offer. Read on for more inspiration and information!

Keep in mind that we offer curbside pickup. If you prefer not to go into the store in person, just give us a call and order on the phone. We will bring it out to your car for you! No contact, safe, and helpful!

Thank you for joining us in this space!

Happy birding!

Wild Bird & Garden News

Native Plant sale!

No presale this week folks, but we will have the ladies from Going Native Gardens out on Saturday from 10-1:30 for a plant popup! Come see us and get some wonderful plants for pollinators while you're here!

Highlighting local species



Pileated Woodpecker



We are going to showcase some of our favorite local bird species here to pass along fun facts and grow appreciation of the iconic birds we are lucky to share this region with.

This month our species highlight is the Pileated Woodpecker! You can spot these year-round residents in lots of different local habitats including neighborhoods. In fact, if you have them in your neighborhood, offering suet can lure them to your yard!

According to Cornell's All About Birds, "A Pileated Woodpecker pair stays together on its territory all year round. It will defend the territory in all seasons, but will tolerate new arrivals during the winter. The oldest known Pileated Woodpecker was a male, and at least 12 years, 11 months old when he was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in Maryland." How cool are these birds?

NEW SPECIAL!

Try Something New!

This special is made for folks who want to try a new seed! Buy one 20lb bag at regular price, receive $5 off a second 20lb bag OR buy one 5lb bag at regular price try another blend and receive $2 off the second 5lb bag.

For in-stock and in-store items only. Not to be combined with other offers.

Two Day Birding Trip to Goose Creek State Park & Voice of America Game Land

May 22 & 23, 2024

Register by calling 910-343-6001 or by stopping in the store.

Cost: $115 per person

Hotel: We are recommending the Econo Lodge North for $80 a night plus tax; those that sign up will get the link for this special rate. Folks are responsible for booking their own rooms at this suggested hotel or anywhere they prefer.

Itinerary

May 22 drive to Washington NC area for 2PM afternoon birding at Goose Creek State Park, including a boardwalk through a cypress swamp.

May 23 Morning, Sunrise birding at VOA game land (about 15 miles from Econo Lodge) where we will enjoy a wonderful morning chorus of birdsong. This is the former site of the Voice of America broadcast towers, now managed by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The site is managed as a large tract of grassland, maintained by controlled burns. It is perhaps the best nesting habitat in North Carolina for prairie birds. We will walk on an extensive network of gravel and paved roads, originally built for maintenance of the towers.

May 23 Afternoon, return home. We may organize stops in one or more parks in New Bern on the way home.

*participants are responsible for making time to check in/out at their hotel.



A portion of proceeds will go to the Cape Fear Bird Observatory

Local Events You'll Love

Bird Islands Cruise: Learn more about this event here. Tickets for the cruise are available at the store right now! $100 - Cash or check only.

Monthly Puzzle Swap!

Every third Thursday | 10am -5pm

Come in and drop off an old puzzle you have already completed and trade it in for one that's new to you! Meet fellow puzzle-loving customers and get a chance to try a new puzzle! Tomorrow, April 18th, is the next one!

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