A Little Birdie Told Me…Q & A with Brooke Ramirez

I had the pleasure to sit down with Brooke and find out more about her and her business, Wild Birds Unlimited.

Editor: How did you get started with Wild Birds Unlimited?

Brooke: My parents opened Wild Birds Unlimited in Oakdale back in 2006. I started working at my parents store one-two times a week when I was growing up. I began working there more as I became older. 

Editor: How did you become more involved with the store? 

Brooke: My parents retired in 2021 and I bought the store from them. In 2023, I opened up another Wild Birds Unlimited in East Setauket.

Editor: Can you tell us about the Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise?

Brooke: Wild Birds Unlimited has 370 stores across North America. Their main headquarters are located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Editor: How involved are you with the franchise?

Brooke: I was on the Franchise Advisory Council for 3 years. For the last 2 years, I was the Atlantic chairperson for the Northern Region. The Northern Region represents 60 stores in NY, NJ, CT, MA, PA, Maryland and Delaware.

Editor: Do you have anything else to share?

Brooke: Both my children work for me. My daughter is the store manager in East Setauket and my son is salesperson. I have a lot of training and am a certified bird feeding specialist.

Editor: What are questions do you get asked by your customers this time of year?

Brooke: One question is “Can we feed birds this time of year?” The answer is: Absolutely! If you want to see the birds, feed the birds! Only 20% of bird feeding comes from humans. By feeding the birds, you are not changing the birds’ migration patterns, it is only supplemental. Baby birds are born now and it’s a good time to feed. Feeding helps the moms to lay their eggs with better shells and babies to grow up to adulthood with proteins and fats. This is a good time to have suet available as well. 

Brooke: Another question I am frequently asked is about hummingbirds. Hummingbirds arrived 4 weeks ago. This is a great time to have hummingbird feeder available. Some tidbits about caring for your hummingbird feeder. Do NOT add food coloring to nectar. Clean feeder at every refill. You do not have to boil the water to dilute the sugar-just make sure the sugar is fully diluted.

Editor: A BIG thank you to Brooke for her willingness to participate in our Q & A segment! Make sure you go visit Wild Birds Unlimited either in Oakdale or East Setauket!

*Do you have a question you would like me to ask Brooke? Email me at: gsbas.editor@gmail.com. I will do my best to include your question, and Brooke’s response, in our upcoming newsletters! – Jeanne Halton