On Whidbey Island, the simple act of feeding birds has become something more, a daily celebration of nature, community, and the small moments of wonder happening right outside our windows. At the heart of that is Noel Nic'Fergusson, a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest whose passion for birds and wildlife has shaped both her life and her work.
For decades, Noel has built a distinguished reputation as a wildlife conservation photographer, capturing the beauty and fragility of the natural world. For more than thirty years she has called Whidbey Island home, where her deep appreciation for nature has grown alongside the landscapes and wildlife she has spent her career documenting.
Long before becoming the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Freeland, Noel was a devoted customer. Thirty three years ago, when the original store first opened in Clinton, she began visiting regularly to find quality bird food and supplies for the birds in her own backyard. When the opportunity arose in early 2024 to purchase the store, it felt like a natural extension of a lifelong passion for nature, wildlife, conservation, and community.
Today, Noel has grown Wild Birds Unlimited into a vibrant gathering place for nature lovers across Whidbey Island and beyond. The store is known not only for its exceptional bird-feeding supplies, but also for its welcoming atmosphere and its commitment to celebrating the natural world.
At the heart of the store's philosophy is Wild Birds Unlimited simple but powerful mission: "We Bring People and Nature Together." Noel and her team help customers create thriving backyard habitats that support birds, pollinators, and local wildlife. Through education, seasonal events, and monthly specials, the store celebrates the rhythms of nature throughout the year—from the Save the Songbirds campaign and nesting season to pollinators, shorebirds, and other wildlife.
Wild Birds Unlimited in Freeland is also known for offering some of the freshest, highest-quality bird foods available. These specially crafted blends are designed to attract local birds while minimizing waste, making backyard bird feeding both rewarding and responsible. Customers often remark on how quickly birds discover the food and how lively their yards become as a result.
The store's success is supported by a small but exceptional team of knowledgeable employees who share Noel's passion for birds and nature. Team members David, Jan, and Wayne bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, helping customers select the right feeders, foods, and habitat solutions for the birds in their own backyards.
Visitors are also often greeted by a beloved seasonal character named Flora, a whimsical, nature-inspired greeter created by team member Jan. Flora changes with the seasons, reflecting the beauty and spirit of the natural world throughout the year and bringing smiles to customers of all ages.
Beyond bird feeding, the store also features a thoughtfully curated collection of nature-inspired gifts created by talented artists. These pieces celebrate birds, wildlife, and the beauty of the outdoors while remaining accessible at a variety of price points.
For Noel, the greatest joy continues to be the community that has formed around the store, a welcoming hub where island residents and visitors alike share stories, learn about local wildlife, and celebrate the simple magic of birds in their backyards. Much like Flora, the store's ever-changing seasonal greeter, the rhythm of life at Wild Birds Unlimited follows the seasons of nature itself.
"Every day here feels like a celebration of nature," Noel says. "It's incredibly meaningful to help people connect with the birds and wildlife right outside their doors. When we care for our backyards, we're also caring for the larger natural world around us."
Through education, quality products, and a shared love of nature, Wild Birds Unlimited in Freeland continues to inspire people across the island to look up, listen for birdsong, and rediscover the wonder of nature close to home.
Transitioning from a loyal customer to the proprietor of WBU was a natural progression for Ferguson. She had always admired the store's commitment to providing top-quality products for attracting wild birds. Acquiring the business mid-February of 2024, she embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly.
Ferguson has great excitement for what she does: “Stepping into the world of Wild Birds Unlimited is embarking on a journey where every day is a celebration of nature. As a wildlife photographer and nature enthusiast, embracing this journey of owning a WBU store fills me with such joy and excitement! I love the community's warmth and passion for nature’s feathered, furred and fuzzy friends, and I envision endless possibilities: A journey promoting education, preservation, and celebrating the wonders of nature and wildlife together!”
She emphasizes the importance of the high-quality bird food sold at WBU, a feature appreciated not only by the birds, but also by the customers, some of whom travel a considerable distance to purchase these products. She currently has three employees and the prior owner, Shirley Hendrickson, helps out occasionally as well.
