Wild Birds Unlimited: The Joy of Birdsong and Backyard Wonder

Think back to the last time you woke up, sat outside, and listened to the calm of a still morning accompanied by the sounds of birds singing and trees swaying. Do you recall feeling at ease? I recently learned of the scientific evidence that backs humans finding bird song relaxing, due to our evolutionary instincts. Studies show that birdsong can reduce stress and is even linked to feelings of safety and well-being. This is due to the fact that we, as humans, once utilized the vocalization of birds as an indicator of a safe environment, free from predators. Understanding our innate human connection to these creatures is not only fascinating but can also guide our article today. I visited with Wild Birds Unlimited here in Fayetteville, and had the privilege of learning about the importance and passion behind the birdwatching community that surrounds us, and how they may impact the birds we see on a daily basis.

On 745 E. Joyce Boulevard, nestled between a sandwich shop and a children’s play center, lies Wild Birds Unlimited. The Nature Shop has multiple locations nationwide and holds the mission statement of  “Bringing people and nature together, and doing it with excellence.” The store is intended to work symbiotically with educating and helping turn yards into habitats, while also serving as a space to inspire discovery, community, and life in one’s backyard. Upon entering the store, I was not only greeted by bird-themed decor and a knowledgeable staff, but also a curious kitten by the door. If you are anything like me, you may be wondering why there are cats in a bird store, since we all know the stereotype of them being mortal enemies. I will, of course, return to this thought in a second, but I am sure you will be pleased with the explanation, just as I was.

I was welcomed by Lauren Eno, a longtime employee, as well as Amber, the store’s owner, and Roy, the manager. The three exchanged cheerful greetings and even shared recent bird photos from their phones, immediately welcoming me into their world. Lauren has been working with Wild Birds Unlimited since 2020 and stayed on after new ownership took over in December of 2023. I noted how close they all seemed, and Lauren described the store team as not just coworkers, but a family: “We are all so close here, we get to celebrate all aspects of life together,” she said.

Lauren explained that her passion for birds runs deep, as she is a fourth-generation bird watcher whose mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all shared the same fascination. She studied environmental science and even worked with the Seattle Audubon Society, staying passionate regardless of location. “I’m drawn to the fact that birdwatching combines a sense of both exploration and discovery,” she told me. “There are 12 common bird species that people are likely to see every day in their yard, but there can always be one special day of the year when a bird will be passing through, and that will be the only time you will see it in your area. That is why it is so fascinating to me.”

Wild Birds Unlimited does more than just selling seed and feeders – they’re deeply invested in our community. Roy shared with me different photos of bird feeders they have set up around town, thanks to local sponsors. These feeders have been placed at children’s centers, schools, veterans’ homes, and eldercare facilities—places where birdwatching becomes an accessible and meaningful activity.

Tying back to our innate instinct to feel calm around birdsong, Lauren explained their focus on Ornithotherapy, a practice that promotes emotional, physical, and mental well-being through observing birds. The core of this practice is mindfulness, and they have seen the results firsthand. At one children’s center, staff have shared that when a child is experiencing emotional distress, taking them outside to set up and watch a feeder often helps them calm down and regain composure. It’s a simple, powerful way to practice mindfulness through nature.

Wild Birds Unlimited is also partnered with the National Audubon Society on the “Pathways To Nature For Kids” initiative. Since 2007, nearly 2000 children have benefited from this program with scholarships to attend summer camps across the country, gaining access to science education and outdoor discovery. They often hold events such as workshops, lessons, and newsletters that can inform the community of local bird-related activities, and they are always looking for more sponsors to help facilitate this across town. The website states, “Bird watching is an effective and inexpensive activity for any Assisted Living Facility that wants to promote both mental and physical well-being among residents and staff.”

Arkansas is a particularly unique area for birdwatchers. Lauren explained that the state is positioned between four major habitats: wetlands, drylands, the Ozark Mountains, and the central plains. That means a rich diversity of birds—some that are regulars, others that are just passing through.

Just this past winter, there was a Yellow Grosbeak spotted in Fayetteville. This marked only the second recorded sighting of the species east of the Rockies. News of the rare appearance traveled fast, drawing birders from all over—even as far as Philadelphia. In this way, bird-watching can feel almost like a game – quiet anticipation, patience, and the joys of discovery. Lauren also introduced me to Merlin, a free birding app recommended by many enthusiasts. Although not affiliated with Wild Birds Unlimited, the team often encourages customers to use it. You can log bird sightings in your area, and each entry contributes to a scientific database that tracks migration patterns and supports habitat preservation. It’s another way that everyday curiosity can contribute to broader scientific understanding.

You didn’t think I forgot about the kittens in the store, did you? They aren’t there just for cuteness (although they definitely deliver on that front). Wild Birds Unlimited partners with local cat adoption shelters to offer indoor cat adoptions. It may sound counterintuitive at first, but it’s a creative conservation effort.

After habitat loss, outdoor cats are the second leading cause of bird deaths in the U.S. By helping place cats in safe, indoor homes, Wild Birds Unlimited estimates that each adoption saves roughly 50 birds per year. So far, 57 cats have found homes through the store—that’s nearly 2,850 bird lives saved annually. It’s a clever solution that lets former “natural enemies” coexist for the benefit of both.

As I left the store, I was gifted a small goodie bag: a packet of birdseed, a hobby guide, and the store’s monthly newsletter. As I tried to carry it out, Lauren gently insisted, “Whether it’s a 30-pound bag of feed or a small gift like this, we carry all of our customers’ purchases to their car—free of charge.” That full-service approach, paired with genuine enthusiasm, helps explain why this store was recently voted “Best Place to Buy a Gift in Arkansas.”

The team told me they rarely have customers come in upset. More often, people walk through the door eager to share bird sightings, ask questions, or simply enjoy the sense of peace the store provides. Wild Birds Unlimited is more than a shop—it’s a community space grounded in discovery, care, and respect for nature.

If you’re curious, want to support a local business, or are just looking for a new hobby that invites you to slow down and look up, you can visit them at 745 E. Joyce Blvd or online at https://fayettevillear.wbu.com/. And if you mention The Star Shopper during your visit, you’ll receive a free gift—maybe even some famous Bark Butter, a treat loved by over 160 bird species.