HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ HAPPY 2017!!

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year, happy 2017!! Also, happiest "Canada 150"...we certainly are looking forward to all the events planned in this great country we call 'home'!!

THANK YOU ONE & ALL!

A huge thank you one & all for your continuing support of our family business....we would not be here without the ongoing patronage of so many wonderful folks. Many thanks as well to those who have just discovered our little spot in the countryside at the edge of London, Ontario....it has been an amazing time! We are looking forward to 2017....We hope you are as well!!

BEAUTY IS ALL AROUND!

We hope that you've enjoyed some fun times over the past several days....it is a very busy season but nice to take a few moments....to breathe, to relax, to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.

While driving through the city earlier today, we saw several hawks hanging out in various spots along the way. While we didn't or couldn't stop to take pics of those ones, we did have our camera with us because, you just never know! They do stand out at this time of the year, so, if you are the passenger, take a little time to look to the sky, look to the trees and take in all the beauty that is around as you go along your way. At some point, you may have the opportunity to stop for a few shots as we did when we got closer to home.

Enjoy the rest of your week and remember to take in the beauty that is all around!

Beautiful Red-tailed Hawk

HOLIDAY HOURS

LAST FEW SHOPPING DAYS!

We are definitely in to the final stretch with just a few shopping days remaining for those celebrating & exchanging gifts. We have lots of ideas for the last-minute necessities that you might need ~  host/hostess gifts, teacher gifts, gifts for donation and so much more! 

Thank you for considering Hyde Park Feed & Country Store this season!

Sparkling Cider, Honey & Gourmet Jam!

Squirrel Buster Bird Feeders

Locally-crafted purses, wallets, bags

OPEN SUNDAY, DEC. 18TH!

Our final Sunday opening of the season is this weekend...We'll welcome you from 11am to 3pm this Sunday the 18th! With snow expected this evening and tomorrow, Sunday might be a perfect choice for picking up some of your last minute gifts & necessities!

A photo from a couple of seasons ago

Stock up on the best in bird seed, so that you don't run out over the holidays, and consider taking some time to browse around our unique shop....you just never know what you might find as we offer plenty of gift-giving ideas for the whole family!! Unique BIRD HOUSES & BIRD FEEDERS....you'll be amazed at our selection!

Candles add that special ambiance for every celebration! In case you didn't know, we offer several styles of both BEESWAX and SOY candles....you're certain to find what you are looking for whether it be a gift or something for yourself!

PUZZLES are a family favourite at this time of the year. Our selection includes some for young children, many others for adults....a splendid gift this season and something to keep everyone busy on those cold, snowy days!

Have you visited our GARDEN ROOM? It may be winter but who doesn't love new decor for the garden....any time of the year! From spinners to cement statuary to outdoor clocks, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised by our selection!

Our Garden Room ~ Note: Some items may not be available due to prior sale

A more personal gift for that special someone on your list? Yes, we have that too! Local, handcrafted soaps are quite luxurious; pewter jewellery that includes earrings & bracelets are Made in Canada!

Love local food products? From delicious Maple Syrup and maple syrup products including maple sugar candy, to several varieties of Honey, to Ontario-grown Peanuts to wonderful Sparkling Cider and Gourmet Jams....we have them all! As a special treat, we also have B.C. Smoked Salmon!

Many other gift items from which to choose....several that are nature-inspired or pet-themed! Our lovely Tea Towels have returned while our stunning mugs are ready for wrapping in their matching gift boxes!

Beautiful Bateman Birds are back in stock along with many others by several famous masters!

Thank you one & all for shopping & supporting local this season & throughout the year...We wouldn't be here without you!

Try a Seed Log!

We've had Seed Logs & Peanut Logs for a while now, but unlike other items that we offer, we've never tried one....until last week! Many customers have told us how much they love them, how much the birds love them so we were anxious to see the results so that we could share them with you!

We decided to try the Peanut Log and have not been disappointed! The first visitor was a Downy Woodpecker and the visits haven't stopped - Juncos, American Tree Sparrows, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch....and this weekend both the male & female Cardinals!! Well, we couldn't ask for better than that in less than a week!!

If you know of someone just wanting to get started in bird feeding or you are looking for some great gift ideas for all ages - grandchildren, parents, grandparents - check out the Seed or Peanut Logs!

Male Cardinal enjoying the Peanut Log!

Red-bellied Woodpecker has his prize!

OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND & IGOR PUGDOG SATURDAY!

We are holding our Open House this weekend - 9 to 5 Saturday, 11 to 3 Sunday! Stop by to see everything that we have to offer....first time visitors are quite shocked when they enter our piece of the London, Ontario countryside! REMINDER - Igor Pugdog visits Saturday 11am - 1pm.

SNOW IS ON THE WAY!

It had to come some time....and apparently we could get lots tonight and tomorrow! Yes, snow is predicted!! Just a reminder to fill your feeders and keep them clean. Check them often during harsh weather to make certain seed ports are cleared of ice and snow. If possible, clear the snow from below your feeders or pack it down. This will assist those species that feed from the ground. Fresh water is also very important....If you can offer some, please do! If a heated bird bath is on your list, check out our selection!!

Heated Birdbath in our Garden!

IGOR PUGDOG HERE THIS SATURDAY!

We have been delighted to offer IGOR Pugdog's 2017 calendar with all proceeds to Pugalug Pug Rescue! This Saturday, you can meet Igor!! He is expected to be here between 11am & 1pm....Hope to see you!!

Welcome December & Our Sunday Openings!

Wow....It is December...Wishing you a very happy one!!

Just a reminder that our December Sunday Openings begin this weekend and continue for the next two. We'll be open 11am to 3pm Sunday, December 4th, 11th and 18th offering you a few more shopping hours! Have a fabulous month!!

Fox Sparrow!!

We've welcomed several different species to our garden this year and the trend is continuing this fall! We've recently had the beautiful Tufted Titmouse and over the past several days, we've had visits by a beautiful Fox Sparrow. This beauty has been hanging around with the House Sparrows...it backs up the suggestion that a very close look is worth while when the birds are visiting feeders & gardens as you never know who might have joined a flock!! Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Beautiful Fox Sparrow

Everyone Loves the Squirrel Busters!

We have featured Squirrel Buster Birdfeeders many times in the past. Why? They are great feeders....customers love them, birds love them....and squirrels do not! We have tested many of them in our own garden; it never seems to take long for the birds to give them a try. More proof of this happened in the last week! For the first time ever, we welcomed a Tufted Titmouse or two in to our garden. Right away these beauties were observed on the Squirrel Buster Peanut +....amazing! Always delighted when we can report great results on the feeders we offer!

Enjoy your Saturday ~ If you are going to the Hyde Park Parade, stop by to say hello!!

Friday, November 25!

We take great pride in offering our customers the very best in Wild Bird Seed, Bird Feeders, Pole Systems, Shepherd's Hooks, various Wild Bird Feeding Accesssories, and so very much more, at the best pricing that we can ~ Thank you one & all for shopping/supporting local!

Note ~ New crop, local Black Oil Sunflower Seed now in stock!!

From Spring....to Winter!

We've enjoyed a lovely fall with many days warmer than normal. This past week, temperatures were almost like summer with a record-breaking day in many areas!

And now....today....it is winter! Flurries and snow squalls are in the forecast and, at the moment, our garden is covered with a fresh, white layer.

One can always count on the birds to let us know when "weather" is on the way...they are more active at the feeders, often fighting for spots! Our feeders have been so very busy the past few days, even on those warmer ones. The entertainment has been almost nonstop and just so very much fun!!

This morning, some American Goldfinches gathered on this feeder....soon others arrived. It was one of those days where sometimes they all got along; sometimes they didn't....but they all managed to get some much-needed food!

American Goldfinches on a snowy start to this Sunday!

Sometimes sharing is necessary!

Tufted Titmouse ~ First Time Visitor!!

This past Thursday, we noticed a flash of gray at one of our bird feeders. We knew it wasn't a Chickadee, Junco or Nuthatch....something was very different about the colours, although the glimpse we had wasn't great. We decided that we needed to pay closer attention, so spent a little time observing our feeders. It wasn't long before the bird returned...a Tufted Titmouse!!  It's the first time we've ever seen one....the first time to see them at our feeders! We then realized that there was more than one but getting a decent shotwas proving to be quite difficult! They would fly to the feeders, grab a peanut or safflower seed, then fly away from the feeder. While they often landed in a nearby tree, they weren't still for long!

On Friday, we noticed several birds hanging out in a tree on the other side of our home...Chickadees, Nuthatches....and a Tufted Titmouse or two! We decided to put some of our Country Blend seed mix in a hopper feeder....success! The Titmouse was spending more time on this feeder where it could move around, work on a seed if necessary or simply grab a peanut & eat it while perched in a tree.

They are very entertaining birds and since posting a photo on instagram, we've heard from Jody Allair (Bird Studies Canada) that many have been moving through Southern Ontario with larger than normal numbers reported at Long Point. Other folks in the London area have also welcomed them to their feeders this fall....so cool!!

Lovely Tufted Titmouse!

FeederWatch Season is Here!

Once again, Project FeederWatch season has begun! Bird Studies Canada has volunteers across the country, who count feeder bird numbers & species for science. Happy to say that we can be included in that group; we have been counting feeder birds for several years now. In other areas of N.A., The Cornell Lab receives the information from feederwatchers.

Why, you say, do people count birds? Birds Matter.....Scientists will learn about the winter bird populations in various locations around North America, keeping track of numbers & movements over several years. If you have feeders, a bird bath or plants that attract birds, you can participate!! It's fun and educational for the whole family...and helps to pass the winter months!

Super Moon Time!

It's Super Moon time....actually, it is known as an Extra-Super Moon!!

We would imagine there will be plenty of shots shared of the Extra-Super Moon....this is how it looks right now from our place!! My mum always talks of how November is the darkest month..... aren't we lucky to have this beauty light our way this month, this year!! In case you weren't aware, it is the closest full moon of the century, so far, and there won't be another until 2034!! This Super Moon will appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than it does when it is at its furthest point. To get the full impact, stay up late or get up early...full moon here is at 8:52 am November 14 2016!! Best viewing times are when it is low in the sky...It will appear much larger in the early evening. Whatever you do, make sure to take a peek...never know if clouds could roll in!

We Remember Them

It is Remembrance Day...

We Remember Them, Never Forget

So many thanks to all who served, all who serve. We will never forget the sacrifices by all and are so grateful for the freedoms we are blessed with...thanks to them....

Always Remembered....And Never Forgotten

So Many Goldfinches!!

Well, here we are in to November and having the most amazing weather....unbelievable! We hope that you have been able to get out to enjoy....the colours, the temperatures, the sunshine! We filled our Nyjer Seed Feeders last week and could not believe the numbers of Goldfinches that arrived within minutes. While a few have been here enjoying the Sunflower Chips and/or Black Oil Sunflower, the Nyjer Seed is definitely something they love, a favourite! Reminder to store your bird seed in a cool, dry place....you'll be happy, the birds will be happy!

American Goldfinches lovin' the Nyjer Seed!!