January 2019 - 64

Marketing
The Wind
Beneath
Our Wings
Winter is the perfect season to evaluate your birding department and discover what
to do differently for your customers before the birds return in the spring.
By John Johnston
A
ccording to the Ruby-throated hummingbird
migration map (www.hummingbirds.net/
map.html), hummingbirds typically make
their seasonal debut in Florida around late
February or early March. They continue their progression
north and west toward the Dakotas and Canada, through
mid to late May. It's no surprise: The calendar tells us to
" think spring " and the birds know it too.
With some advance preparation, you can help your
customers fill their yards with the colorful sights and
interesting sounds of these and other migratory birds.
Welcome Travelers!
Bird migration varies by species. Many of us have
surely pinned our noses to windowpanes to catch (and
celebrate) a glimpse of spring's first red robin in the
yard. The timing coincides nicely with flowers, shrubs
and bulbs opening in the landscape to provide some
food along their journey. For homeowners who place
birdhouses around their yards, they'll likely see activity
in them by early April.
Birds are resourceful, using a range of materials to
construct their nests. Some popular nesting materials
include cloth, paper and branches to dryer lint or scraps of
insulation. Consumers can help provide nesting materials
simply by stringing such items onto a fence line, tree or
pole. Another way to help: Place materials inside a suet
cage and hang away from windows and glass to prevent
injury to birds that might mistake glass for open spaces.
Preparing a Banquet
Birds need food, water and protection to live
comfortably in any environment. Remind your customers
to clean their existing birdfeeders, especially if they
haven't done so during the winter. Birdbaths also should
be cleaned and thoroughly rinsed on a regular basis.
Here are two popular and effective cleaning methods
you can share with your customers:
* Method 1: Combine one part chlorine bleach with
10 parts water, and immerse your feeder into the
solution for two to five minutes.
64 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | JANUARY 2019
* Method 2: Mix up a 50/50 solution of water and
white vinegar, and soak your feeder completely for
two to five minutes.
After soaking, scour or brush the feeder and then
let it dry completely before re-filling. Some feeder
manufacturers offer a quick release on the bottom of
their feeders to facilitate cleaning.
Come and Get It
Different types of birdseed work best in different
scenarios. Lead each customer to their best birdseed
match with a few simple questions:
* Which types of birds are you trying to attract?
* Do you need more than one feeder?
* Would you prefer a feed option without shells?
Some bird species thrive on specific types of foods.
Clinging birds such as Pine Siskins, Common Redpoll
and goldfinches prefer sunflower seed or Nyjer thistle.
To reduce seed waste, specially designed thistle feeders
feature smaller ports to dispense Nyjer seed.
Placement of the feeder is also key to getting even
the most timid of birds to explore dinner options. Many
birds feed at different levels and consumers may have
some success (and rewards) by positioning more than
one feeder in their yards to maximize the fun.
Some bird watchers use combo feeders throughout
the year to offer both birdseed in a feeder hopper and
suet in a cage on either one or two ends. Recommend
an all-season type of suet like suet dough cakes to keep
the suet fresh and ready for consumption.
Vacationing Visitors
As mentioned above, hummingbirds typically return
from their winter migration in early spring and are
looking for nectar-bearing flowers. These beauties dart
quickly across the property, but offer a freeze-frame
of enjoyment when they feed by flapping their wings
furiously as they hover.
Some hummingbird species are extremely territorial.
To maximize feeding and bird-watching opportunities,
but minimize conflict, encourage your customers to put
out multiple hummingbird feeders, positioning them
on opposite sides of the residence.
The bluebird is one unique species of wild bird that's
gaining popularity among home birding enthusiasts
in some regions. Bluebirds love open fields and will
frequent platform feeders to feast on their preferred
meal, dried mealworms. Consumers can enhance their
stay by erecting bluebird houses nearby.
What's Bugging You?
The purple martin is one of nature's winged warriors
that provides insect control throughout the summer
months. These birds love to colonize together in
harmony while living in multi-dwelling martin houses
that are mounted on posts or poles at least 10 feet off
of the ground.
Each martin house includes eight to 12 (or more!)
compartments, in which the residents can breed and
expand their families. They're fun to watch, and can
provide amusing torture for resident cats that are
within eyesight of their nest.
Make It a Garden Party
Plenty of additional winged guests can add interest
and enjoyment to the home and garden. Butterfly houses
and butterfly feeders, staked garden fairies, whirligigs
of birds and colorful insects, even weathervanes, can
provide movement in or around the garden.
Wind-driven motion is a surefire way to attract
eye-catching attention and provide entertainment all
season long for both young and old.
Consider offering an assortment of windchimes for
those looking to bring some color and
sounds to their backyards too. Just add
wind and enjoy!
John Johnston is retail education
manager for Griffin. He can be reached at
jjohnston@griffinmail.com.
http://www.hummingbirds.net/
January 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2019
