Where has our "BLOG" been?

If you're just logging on, you probably noticed that we haven't posted any new content on this feed since January of 2010. Shame on us! Well, actually we had a pretty good reason as we were a part of the group that participated in the launch of the Valley News's "Valley Buzz" program. For anyone that doesn't know what that is, the "Valley Buzz" is a new blog opportunity for local businesses and organizations that has been established in conjunction with the Valley News website at http://www.vnews.com/. If you haven't heard about it, you should definitely check it out!

Well now we are back to blogging on our own and hope that you'll continue to join us for news and information, tips and helpful hints, as well as info about our store, upcoming opportunities, and much more! We've dubbed our digital media endeavor "WLFS Online" and in addition to this blog, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter, among other social networks. As always, we prefer you use the "old-fashioned social network" and come see us face-to-face; why not stop by and give us an opportunity to brighten your day? We hope to see you soon...

BIG NEWS!
In case you haven't heard, we've opened a state-of-the-art, full-service dog wash right here at our store. Clean Paws Dog Wash opened in October 2010 and features a sophisticated cleaning system that is the first of its kind in the country. We searched high and low to bring in a high quality bathing and/or grooming service to our facility and when we came across this advanced system, we knew we had found the right fit. Clean Paws uses an accelerated hydrogen peroxide solution and a mechanism that cleans from the skin up, which gives your pet a superior clean without the use of harmful chemicals or traumatic "car wash" style bathing units.

To learn more, visit the Clean Paws website today!

Wild Bird Feeding is Fun for All Ages!

Over sixty million Americans participate in feeding and watching birds. From young to old, it is a form of recreation that requires minimal expertise and little to no expense. While taking an early, winter-morning stroll, and with nothing more than your eyes, you could easily encounter five to ten species of birds here in the Upper Valley.

Utilizing binoculars will enhance your experience and allow for more positive identification of bird species. To increase your odds of seeing birds up close and personal you may also consider placing a bird feeder, bird bath or bird house in your backyard. Technology has come a long way, and some companies even offer cameras that may be installed into your feeder or bird house which would allow for daily observation right from the comfort of your living room. You might even choose to post daily bird house “happenings” on a website.

Let’s examine each of the listed suggestions. Bird feeders, certainly widely available and fairly inexpensive are very popular items used to attract birds. Nothing draws a crowd like free food! Many types are on the market and should be chosen according to type of birds you may wish to attract. If you are not sure and want to attract the widest variety of birds, the platform feeder is a good choice. Placement of the feeder is key; it should be near cover, but in the open for both easy observation and to make species like cardinals feel comfortable.

Installing a feeder in your yard is no guarantee that birds will use it! It may take awhile for them to discover it. You can increase your odds however by also placing a bird bath near the feeder. Birds love fresh, clean water. Consider using a bird bath deicer and see how many birds flock to the bird bath in winter when water elsewhere is frozen. Not many species of birds will move into a bird house during the winter, but late winter is the time to consider placing one or several on your property for use in the spring when arriving flocks of migrant birds are looking for nesting sites. This is true of tree sparrows, bluebirds and many other species.

Consider implementing a predator guard to exclude cats, raccoons and other predators that may be attracted to nesting birds. Many local organizations offer information and bird watching walks. Most are free and no experience is required. Check with your local Parks and Recreation Department to learn more.

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Remember...WLFS is your wild bird feed and supply headquarters. See our extensive line of feeders, accessories, seed mixes, suets, and much more!