🐧 Did You Know South Jersey's Best Bird Store Is In Collingswood?
Did You Know: Some birds can SLEEP while in flight?!
While a lot of us tend to ignore the birds flying above our heads, a small store in South Jersey is trying to bring awareness for the nature in our community, and that includes our native backyard birds.
And once you start learning about birds, and you realize how awesome they are, you're hooked! 🦅
“The more I expanded my hobby of birding and exploring the nature in my own backyard, the more I noticed some things that I wished were different.”
Kara // House Finch Suburban Nature Store
The Store
Kara's mission at Collingswood's NEWEST store to open, House Finch, is to cultivate curiosity and awareness for suburban nature in our community, with an intentional focus on sustainability ♻️🍃
House Finch opened in Collingswood New Jersey in May 2023. Founder and owner Kara is an avid birder and suburban nature enthusiast.
House Finch began as a hobby in her own backyard. She quickly noticed the sheer amount of waste associated with birdseed and suet. ALL the packaging was plastic!
Kara wonders about suet cakes: "Why does this little individual cake have to be packaged in a plastic holder, sealed with a plastic label, and then wrapped in plastic?!"
House Finch not only supplies suet and bird seed plastic-free, but a variety of nature-related products designed to support and explore suburban and backyard nature (...but with a special focus on birds 😉).
House Finch orders bird seed in bulk so you can bring your own containers, or takeaway one of the compostable brown paper bags if needed.
Kara orders this bird seed directly from the farm that produces it rather than a distributor. By cutting out the 'middle man', there is less transportation, less trash, and less pallets needed for delivery.
House Finch also focuses on products with less animal byproducts: stocking suet without beef fat, and commercial seed cylinders without gelatin. A lot of the items you can buy in House Finch are plant-based; better for the environment and often healthier for the native birds in our communities.
“Birding Is A Joy”
And House Finch wants to spread that joy with the whole of Collingswood!
Watch the video below as Collingswood Realtor Pip Haxby-Thompson interviews Kara from House Finch about her exciting new store!
🎥 by Haddon Film Co
Wanna get into birding?
Here’s 4 things you may not know about feeding backyard birds:
VARIETY OF BIRDS: Bird seed can attract a wide range of bird species. Different types of seeds cater to various birds' preferences. For instance, black oil sunflower seeds are highly favored by many backyard birds, including finches, cardinals, and chickadees, while nyjer (thistle) seed attracts finches, siskins, and redpolls. And size does matter 😉: some birds, like cardinals and sparrows, prefer larger seeds, while others, such as finches and buntings, have a preference for smaller seeds.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Bird seed serves as a vital source of nutrition for birds, especially during the colder months when natural food sources are scarce. High-quality bird seed mixes often contain a blend of seeds, grains, and nuts that provide essential fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, helping birds maintain their energy levels and survive harsh conditions.
SEED STORAGE: To preserve the freshness and nutritional value of bird seed, proper storage is crucial. Ideally, bird seed should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage and discourage pests. It's advisable to buy bird seed in quantities that can be consumed within a few weeks to avoid the seed going stale or attracting unwanted critters.
FEEDER TYPES: There are several types of feeders designed to accommodate different bird species and seed types. For example, tube feeders with small ports are suitable for nyjer seed and attract finches, whereas hopper or platform feeders can accommodate a variety of seed types and cater to larger birds like jays and mourning doves. Choosing the appropriate feeder and seed combination can maximize bird activity in your backyard.
Providing a consistent and reliable source of bird seed can not only bring joy through birdwatching but also support the overall health and well-being of your feathered visitors.
Got questions about what seeds to get? Or what type of feeder you might need? Head to Collingswood’s House Finch this weekend and pick Kara’s brain!
We’re here to help you #makeJerseyhome.
