Yorktown Wild Birds Unlimited

Not all wild bird stores merit an eBird hotspot, and fewer still could support one with over 50 species. The Yorktown Wild Birds Unlimited benefits in part from having a nice stand of mixed pines and hardwoods backing up to a small lake. Perhaps more importantly, it also benefits from having a fantastic and well-maintained feeder set-up! To the right of the entrance, there is a very short walking path and a series of feeders that are diligently maintained by the owners. This fairly elaborate set-up includes several seed and suet feeders, as well as bark butter spread on the adjacent pines. As with most feeder set-ups, the birding is best in winter. The main claim to fame here is a Western Tanager that paid a few brief visits to feed on bark butter in early March 2019. Normal visitors include a familiar mix of suburban feeder birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, titmice, wrens, and finches. In the right year, this would not be a bad place to expect Purple Finches and Pine Siskins. Pine Warblers are around even in winter and, though not reported, an Orange-crowned Warbler would certainly not be unexpected. Of course, just about any feeder rarity is possible! The pines here also support Brown-headed Nuthatches, as well as Yellow-throated Warblers which begin returning by late March.

There is a public parking lot out front of the store, and it is possible to park and watch the feeders from the car. While not required to bird here, paying a visit to the store and making a purchase is always a nice gesture!

eBird Hotspot: Yorktown Wild Birds Unlimited

—Matt Anthony, August 2020