Wild Birds Unlimited put on a spectacular event Saturday with Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy at their shop in Boerne to celebrate its oneyear anniversary.
More than 300 people turned out to see the conservancy’s collection of wild birds, including owls, falcons and even a bald eagle.
The event, while wildly entertaining with the display of attractive and active raptors, was also educational. Last Chance Forever raptor technician Ian Joplin provided fascinating facts of each species showcased, in addition to talking about the work that the raptor conservancy performs.
“The art of falconry is not teaching them how to hunt,” Joplin said, “it’s about gaining their trust. They already know how to hunt. We work with them for a few years and then we release a healthy, successful, experienced adult that most likely would not have survived.”
Wild Birds Unlimited of Boerne owner Kyle Odom said he enjoyed being able to offer a community event that attracted many who shared an interest in the birds.
A barn owl sits on the padded arm of Mike Hinkle, Last Chance Forever volunteer, during Saturday’s Wild Birds Unlimited shops’ one-year anniversary event. Star photo by Veronica Rector “The community of Boerne really welcomed us to the area,” Odom said. “People who are interested in nature and world outside their window are often excited to share the wildlife observations they are making around their property.”
Odom plans to continue events throughout the year, with possible partnerships with other nature-related conservations to provide free seminars at the store.
“We will focus on specific topics like bird migration, responsible bird feeding, and plantings to support wildlife,” Odom said.
Nature and wildlife lovers who visit the Wild Birds Unlimited store at 110 Market Ave., next to the 28 Songs Brewhouse, will find bird foods that include different seeds and seed blends.
“Our core best sellers are bird food,” Odom said. “The bird seed that we provide is different than what we find in ‘big box’ stores. It’s free of any fillers like milo, oats, and other things the birds don’t eat.
“We believe folks should only pay for food that the birds need in their diet, not components that they just kick out of the feeders,” Odom added.
As for battling pesky critters that like to eat bird seed, Odom offers a solution for that, too.
“One way to defeat critters (like squirrels) at the feeders is through our Advanced Pole System,” Odom said. “The APS allows customers to configure their feeder set-up in a way that prevents squirrels, raccoons and other mammals from getting to the feeders. It really solves the problem, so people love it.”
Because of the strong, supportive response from the community, Odom is already planning a second- year anniversary event next June.
“It will be bigger and better, and we look forward to it,” Odom said.
Comment
Comments