Try ZEISS binoculars!
ZEISS binoculars are known for their exceptional clarity, brightness, and color fidelity, giving you crisp, true-to-life views of every feather detail. Built for the field, they’re rugged and perfect for everything from backyard birding to big adventure days. Whether you’re spotting birds in your yard or heading out for a field adventure, ZEISS delivers an experience like no other. Come see why bird lovers worldwide trust ZEISS for their birding missions.
Molting Fun Facts
Just as people make seasonal wardrobe changes, many birds are beginning a transformation of their own, losing and replacing their feathers in a process known as molting. Molting is when a bird replaces some (partial molt) or all (full molt) of its feathers. This complicated process requires a lot of energy and may take up to eight weeks to complete. Molting is so physically demanding for most ducks and geese that they can’t fly and will molt in seclusion to avoid predators. Molting season varies by species and time of year. Right now many birds are beginning their main molt of the year. Distinguishing birds that are molting from those that are not can be difficult. Though some birds may lose patches of feathers and appear “balding,” most birds’ feather loss and replacement are far less noticeable.
Feathers are made of more than 90% protein, primarily keratins, so every molting bird needs extra proteins to grow strong feathers for proper flight and effective insulation. For the next few months, offer high-protein bird foods, such as Nyjer® (thistle), peanuts, Jim’s Birdacious® Bark Butter® and mealworms, to ensure that your birds have a reliable source of protein to help them with molting.
Visit us soon for all of the high-protein foods that will meet your birds’ needs. We have everything you need to help your birds keep going (and re-growing feathers) during this critical time.
Hawks Aloft
Here's Hawks Aloft’s amazing ambassadors: Sparrow, a charismatic American Kestrel; Jemez, a majestic Mexican Spotted Owl, and Beauty, the ever-charming Turkey Vulture.
The vital work Hawks Aloft does in rescue, rehab, and education is amazing. Learn more about Hawks Aloft at https://hawksaloft.org/
Get Your Yard Certified!
Don’t miss out on this limited time offer! Now through July 31, get 20% OFF your Habitat Certification with promo code WBU20. Go here to begin your backyard oasis.
Certify Your Yard
Over the past 50 years, North America's bird population has declined by 2.9 billion breeding adults, a staggering 29% loss.* Scientists point to habitat loss as the primary cause of this decline. Wild Birds Unlimited is honored to champion the National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program, encouraging individuals to transform their yards into safe havens for wildlife.
Visit the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) site to learn more about creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat. There is a small application fee that will help the NWF in their efforts to protect wildlife and habitats. You will receive a certificate and have an opportunity to buy a sign or plaque to display in your habitat.
Create a Bird-friendly Habitat
Scientists have identified habitat loss as one of the biggest reasons for the decline in bird populations. You can make a difference by adding native plants to your yard.
A plant is native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region, ecosystem or habitat without human introduction. Native plants provide shelter and nesting areas for birds, as well as natural sources for nectar, seeds, berries and yummy insects.
Native Plant Facts:
- Native plants typically grow healthier and stronger than non-natives.
- Native plants are low maintenance, requiring less watering, fertilizer and pesticides.
- Native plants assist in managing rainwater runoff and maintain healthy soil as their root systems are deep and keep soil from being compacted.
For you, native plants add a wealth of beauty, texture, varying heights and bloom times, providing a stunning display over multiple seasons. For birds, native trees and plants are home to caterpillars and other insects, which provide food for nestlings. Not sure where to shop for native plants? Visit Plants of the Southwest for selections specific to the Albuquerque area.
Adding native plants is one of the 7 Simple Actions to Help Birds. Stop by the store to learn more about native plants and actions you can take to help #SaveTheSongBirds.
Red Yucca in bloom. Photo credit to PD.
Josiah Lavender's Hummingbird Presentation Now Available on our YouTube Channel. Please visit and follow us @WildBirdsUnlimitedABQEast.
Grab your coffee or tea and enjoy this engaging talk. Learn how to attract hummingbirds to your backyard, support their habits, and appreciate their role in New Mexico's ecosystems.
