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Los Gatos Birdwatcher

What fun it was visiting Los Gatos Birdwatcher this afternoon.  I haven’t been in a while and I’ve missed it.

The store is named for the town of Los Gatos which is Spanish for ‘The Cats.’ You’ll find no evidence of any real cats there, though they have a beautiful statue on display (more on that later.)

Now privately owned by John and Freddy Howell, Los Gatos Birdwatcher offers an array of products and services. I’ve never asked a question they couldn’t answer. I asked for assistance today identifying my little backyard hummer, see below.
DSC_0014

This particular hummingbird had a green chest and shorter tail feathers, quite different from the usual feeder crowd. John identified it as a probable female Allen or a first-year male Allen.  Apparently the males acquire color as they get older.

I also learned about a phone app called iBird. It’s an interactive field guide to birds of North America. If you’re a serious birder, this app’s for you.

Los Gatos Birdwatcher has a huge selection of wild birdseed, bird feeders, nesting boxes and assorted tools. They sell gifts and books as well, including jewelry, t-shirts, puzzles and bird-themed cards. I always feel so at home. They even have a corner dedicated to the bird-feeder nemesis, the squirrel, with clever nesting boxes and feeders. If you’re a fan of the furry ones, you can buy 25 pound bags of peanuts in the shell. You’ll have backyard friends for life.

Cutest Bird Nest Ever

Cutest Bird Nest Ever

Gorgeous Nesting Box

Gorgeous Nesting Box

Nesting Boxes

Nesting Boxes

Birdseed Feeders Galore

Birdseed Feeders Galore

The store offers the following services:

  • Feeder Cleaning: No charge, but they ask for a donation to Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center, Nike Animal Rescue Foundation or Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter.
  • Frequent Buyer Program
  • Seed Delivery in the local area
  • Monthly children’s nature programs: For pre-school through grade 3.
  • Community outreach
  • Backyard Bird Consulting Program

If you’re local to the area, be sure to drop by. If not, you can subscribe to their bi-monthly newsletter following this link.

Los Gatos Birdwatcher
King’s Court Center
792 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA  95032

cat sculpture

The only cat you’ll ever see at the Birdwatcher

13 thoughts on “Los Gatos Birdwatcher”

  2. So the mystery was solved…a youngster. That’s such a great shot. It’s nice to have someone so knowledgable to help. I saw this story on the National News last night. Apparently this little bird has sent the Birding Community into a tither…they are calling it a ‘Once In A Lifetime’ sighting. It’s suppose to be wintering in Japan, but flew across the ocean (or hitched a ride?) to Vancouver…heres the story. I guess Bird Watchers are flocking (pun intended, giggle) to Vancouver to see her:

    http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Westminster+home+mega+sighting+rare+bird+from+Asia/7822515/story.html

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  4. Love this store! I go in often and get Patio Mix, which is a seed I can put in the feeder that won’t sprout when it falls to the ground. I also purchased the feeder on a spring that John recommended, and he was right! As soon as a squirrel puts any weight on it at all the cage on a spring moves down and closes off access to the seed. Funny to watch the squirrels waiting for the birds to drop something rather than emptying the whole feeder.

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  5. Pingback: DIY Nesting Wreath | gardeningnirvana

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