Growing Hobby of Feeding Backyard Birds Inspires New Kamloops Store | iINFOnews

July 19, 2021 – 7:00 a.m.

In the wake of the pandemic, the hobby of feeding backyard birds is rapidly gaining popularity among all age groups. Kamloops resident Kurtis Huston has done a lot of research on the hobby and is passionate about it.

“People have been more confined to their homes and quarters lately, so many have turned to learning and feeding birds,” Huston said. “For the past 30 years or so, feeding backyard birds has become a fast-growing hobby and the pandemic has accelerated it. I have watched birdwatching groups on social media grow both locally and nationally. I also see young people getting involved.

Huston is so interested in the hobby that he is opening a store in Kamloops next month dedicated to feeding backyard birds.

Wild Birds Unlimited is a pet store franchise in the United States. Huston discovered this opportunity through his involvement with other nature enthusiasts.

“I moved here from Vancouver almost five years ago,” he said. “I put a bird feeder in my backyard and was instantly hooked. I learned a lot about the hobby and about birds. So it made sense for me to open the store. It’s more than a store, it’s a place to educate, share information and help connect people with nature.

Kurtis Huston and his partner Maggie are opening a Wild Birds Unlimited store in Kamloops in August 2021.

Image Credit: Kurtis Huston

Huston is linked to local naturalist clubs, Birds Canada, and BC Wildlife Park. He wishes to educate the public on conservation practices to help preserve our species of songbirds. He wants to help children get involved in nature and teach them good cleaning and feeding techniques.

“We are very committed to conservation,” he said. “Here we have a great ecological diversity which must be protected. Half of the province’s bird species will use Kamloops as a stopping point at some point in their migration.

Huston is planning a grand opening in four phases. Part of this may include a visit from some wild friends at BC Wildlife Park.

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