AMBASSADORSHIPS

The trend of eating organic is justifiably on the rise. It improves our health by reducing exposure to harmful agricultural chemicals. Pesticides not only have the potential to adversely affect people, but have a negative effect on bird life as well. We are seeing significant declines in insect-eating birds as insect populations worldwide dwindle due to pesticide exposure. Pesticides like neonicotinoids and common weed killers, such as 2,4-D and glyphosate, are toxic to birds. These chemicals can harm birds directly through contact or indirectly if birds eat contaminated seeds or prey. In 2019, we began using Wild Wings Organic bird seed to feed the wild birds in our own backyard. From millet to black sunflower to safflower seed, we love that our birds eat organic! Since going organic, we’ve seen spectacular numbers of birds at our feeders, from the colorful Painted Buntings to Blue Jays to Northern Cardinals. And we know they’re eating the best pesticide-free seeds on the planet.

Saving bird lives one dot at a time, Feather Friendly is a company that implements a solid solution to a widespread problem that affects birds: window strikes. Over 1 billion birds die from window collisions every year in the U.S. alone, and we know this is an issue where everyone can do a little something at home (or work) to make a difference! Back in 2015, after several birds crashed into the windows at our own home, we needed an effective tool to prevent this tragedy from recurring. Feather Friendly was the answer to a commonplace problem that affected not just us, but every home and every business that has glass windows. Having advocated strongly for their product for 5 years, we officially became their ambassadors in 2020 and have been spreading the word about their revolutionary window decals that deter birds from flying into glass. Everyone can do their part to prevent birds from succumbing to this sad fate, and now we have a solution that works.

Makers of the finest binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras, Leica Sport Optics have been an essential component of our birding gear since 2015. During our birding big year in 2018, we partnered with Leica so they could help share our story while we maximized our use of the best optics available on the market. Since then, we’ve collaborated on ideas, enjoyed use of their full line of binocs and scopes, and helped each other in many different ways! On some our birding tours, we are honored to offer Leica binoculars for you to demo. Whether you were thinking of trying the Trinovid, Ultravid, or Noctivid model, take the opportunity to put top-of-the-line quality glass behind your eyes. Their exceptional craftsmanship translates into bright, colorful, and crystal clear images that will change the way you view birds in the field. For over 100 years, Leica has enhanced perception of the world around us as the result of its unique technologies and outstanding products.