Wild Birds Unlimited is Montgomery is actually part of the "first and largest franchise system of retail stores catering to the backyard bird feeding hobbyist," but it is locally owned and operated by bird enthusiasts Brett and Dee Ann Gilmore. Milford's Wild About Birds, the "largest independent wild bird shop in the Cincinnati area," is my frame of reference with regards to wild bird shops, and while I liked the Milford store, I thought Wild Birds Unlimited was even better.
Wild About Birds in Milford is a much larger store, but I think Montgomery's Wild Birds Unlimited has a nice shop in a great, convenient location, and they are actually doubling in size when they remodel and expand into the space next door (formally occupied by Turnstyles). Like any store dedicated to feeding and welcoming wild birds into your yard, Wilds Birds Unlimited has a variety of birdfeeders and birdhouses designed for different types and species of birds, while they also have many birdbaths as well. Like their counterparts in Milford, they too have squirrel-proof bird feeders, and also the actual squirrel feeders.
Although the sign in the window reads, "Your Backyard Feeding Specialist," one of things I really liked about Wild Birds Unlimited is that they have a lot for your front yard too. Even though they specialize in bird feeders and other bird feeding products like suet and seeds, they have plenty of high quality products for a beautiful front yard too. They offer mailboxes in small, medium, and large sizes ($79.95-$119.95) and address plaques too, I saw many owl and frog-shaped rocks, they sell Tilley-brand hats, and there are UC and Ohio State-themed lawn gnomes, as well as an array of large house flags and small yard flags. They have a large focus on bird feeding, all the while having its unique approach to the bird business.
While Wild Birds Unlimited has two other Cincinnati locations and many others across the country (mostly east of the Mississippi), the owners of the Montgomery location give their store local flair, especially online. Brett Gilmore shares his passion by posting photos and stories to the website about what he sees in his backyard at home. On July 1st alone, Brett saw 26 different types of birds. Overall, this Montgomery business is nice and has a lot of high quality, good looking products. read more