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Paul's Perch

Welcome to Chirps & Thoughts by Paul — a dedicated corner of our website where Paul shares thoughtful observations about birds, nature, the Urban Nature Store community, and the products he loves.

Chirps & Thoughts by Paul

  • The Unexpected Joy of a “Quiet” Birding Day

    The Unexpected Joy of a “Quiet” Birding Day

    Not every day brings a rare visitor or a flurry of wings. Some February days are… quiet. And honestly? That’s okay. On these days, maybe it’s just a single cardinal...

  • What the Birds Are Telling Us Right Now

    What the Birds Are Telling Us Right Now

    If you listen closely in February, the birds are starting to whisper something important: spring is coming. You may notice cardinals singing a little more often, especially on brighter mornings....

  • Confessions of a Backyard Birder in February

    Confessions of a Backyard Birder in February

    February turns even the most dignified birders into creatures of habit—and questionable fashion choices. If you’ve ever refilled a feeder wearing mismatched gloves, pajama pants, and a coat you didn’t...

  • The Birds That Make Winter Feel Shorter

    The Birds That Make Winter Feel Shorter

    Winter can feel endless, especially in February, when the novelty of snow has worn off and spring still feels like a rumor. But then a woodpecker drums on a nearby...

  • Winter Love Stories at the Feeder

    Winter Love Stories at the Feeder

    February may feel like the coldest, greyest month of the year, but don’t tell that to the birds. While we’re bundling up and waiting for spring, many backyard birds are...

  • Leucistic Northern Cardinal

    Leucistic Northern Cardinal

    One of the absolute joys of running Urban Nature Store—and writing here on Paul’s Perch—is hearing from customers who are out there living the birding experience. Every email, every photo, every little story about...

  • Choosing the Right Binoculars for Nature Watching

    Choosing the Right Binoculars for Nature Watching

    One of the most common questions I’m asked in our stores is: “What are the best binoculars?”My answer often surprises people — the best binoculars are the ones that feel...

  • What I Feed My Wild Birds in Winter

    What I Feed My Wild Birds in Winter

    One of the questions I’m asked most often—especially once the temperatures drop and the snow starts piling up—is simple: what seed do you feed your wild birds in winter? My answer is...

  • Eh? Those Canadian Geese Didn’t Get the Memo

    Eh? Those Canadian Geese Didn’t Get the Memo

    Today I was watering my plants (yes, even in January—don’t judge) when I heard that unmistakable sound overhead: the slow, laboured whoosh-whoosh of very large wings. I looked up just in time...

  • How and When to Clean a Bird Bath

    How and When to Clean a Bird Bath

    I was recently asked on the Zoomer Radio Gardening Show about the best way to clean a bird bath — and just as importantly, how often it should be done. It’s a...

  • Raw Peanuts

    Raw Peanuts

    Roasted or Natural Peanuts for Squirrels? Let’s Crack This One Open If you’ve ever stood at your window, coffee in hand, watching squirrels argue over a peanut like it’s the...

  • Birds in January are masters of efficiency

    Birds in January are masters of efficiency

    Birds in January are masters of efficiency. They don’t multitask.They don’t rush.They don’t waste energy. They eat when food is available, rest when it’s not, and fluff up without a...


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