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The Chew: Thanksgiving With Pets

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Bark + Boarding, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, Bark & Boarding offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.

by Chelsea Pennington, Bark + Boarding Writer and Animal Enthusiast

A table full of food and a house full of people to pet them — Thanksgiving seems like every pets dream! Before letting your dog or cat join in on the fun, it’s important to know which Thanksgiving favorites can be dangerous.

To make sure your furry friends have a safe holiday, check out this guide to what holiday treats you should and shouldn’t feed your pet.

Keep the Feast Fat-Free

Fatty or rich foods, like beef fat, poultry skin and gravy can cause severe gastrointestinal issues for animals. These include vomiting, diarrhea and excessive gas, but can also lead to more serious conditions like pancreatitis, which can be fatal.

Save the Sweets for Humans

Most desserts will be harmful to your dog’s digestive system. Chocolate is highly dangerous for dogs and can be fatal if too much is consumed.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in many candies, low-sugar desserts and sometimes even peanut butter. Just a small amount of it can cause a drastic drop in blood pressure for dogs and lead to liver damage.

While many vets recommend feeding plain pumpkin to help dogs with bowel and stomach issues, pumpkin pie is not okay for dogs to consume. Not only does it have a variety of spices that can be problematic for canines, too much pumpkin for dogs will only lead to a mess you don’t want.

Say Bye to Bones

While we often associate dogs with chewing on a nice bone, tossing them the leftovers from your Thanksgiving meal will almost certainly do more harm than good.

At the very least, swallowing the bones can cause an upset stomach, but frequently the bones splinter and cause serious damage to the intestines that can quickly become fatal.

Pick up a dog-friendly bone from the pet store if you want your pup to have something safe to chew on.

Clean Up Quickly

The trash is tempting enough to most dogs on a normal day, but with the remains of a Thanksgiving feast in there, it becomes just about irresistible.

Make sure the trash can is in a place the dog doesn’t have access to and be sure any visitors in the house know to keep the dog out. Don’t leave leftovers on the table or counter where a daring dog might attempt to reach them and don’t forget to put leftovers in the fridge quickly.

Packaging around the turkey such as string, plastic holders and bags may smell like meat and convince some dogs to chew on them. These foreign objects can cause dangerous blockage in your dog’s digestive system if swallowed. If you choose to brine your turkey, make sure your dog doesn’t drink the brine afterwards, as the excessive salt can lead to salt toxicosis.

Be Aware of Decorations

The danger for pets isn’t just found on the table — many popular seasonal plants can pose a problem too.

Amaryllis, Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, hydrangeas, Poinsettias and more can be toxic to dogs and cats when chewed or eaten. It’s best to keep any plants out of reach to make sure your pet doesn’t get into something they shouldn’t.

What’s OK to Share?

There are some Thanksgiving favorites that are okay to give your pooch.

Turkey is fine as long as it doesn’t have any bones or skin. Plain, undressed mashed potatoes are okay to share, but once you add butter or other toppings, it’s best to keep them to yourself.

Plain green beans and carrots are a great snack to share with dogs even when it’s not the holidays. Of course, to be on the safe side, it’s usually best to pick up some doggie treats from the store before the holiday to make sure your pup can have fun and be safe.

If you believe your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, acting quickly is key. Call your veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435.

Sometimes it’s best for you, your guests and your pet if your furry friend has a safe place to play and enjoy the holiday away from home. Whether you’re traveling or just want peace of mind for Thanksgiving, boarding or daycare are great, safe options for your pup.

Looking for more tips, interested in adorable pet pics or just want to get more information on what we do? Stay connected with Bark + Boarding on Facebook, Instagram and our website.

Click here to check out our short video about this article

Mention this article for a free evaluation and click here to sign up for one today. If you have a question about your pet, feel free to come in or email [email protected] any time.

Flying Colors: Naked Nature

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Flying Colors column banner

Flying Colors is a sponsored column on the hobby of backyard bird feeding written by Michael Zuiker, owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited store at the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. Visit the store at 2437 N. Harrison Street or call 703-241-3988.

You see it with your eyes, with the dimming of the day. You feel it on your face, when the winds blow hard from the north. You hear it with the calls of migrating flocks of geese and leaves rustling under your feet. The season has changed and fall is upon us.

There is beauty in the colors. There is energy with a crispness in the air. There is a sadness in the nakedness of nature. oaks, elms, maples, all stand structurally sound and bare with their strength to see.

Shrubs that bare fruit, are all being devoured by flocks of birds. The living flowers in gardens, once pollinating, are withered and have fallen.

Yet, the front, back and side yards of our little kingdoms are packed with birds. Busy preparing for the changes to their world. Looking for sources of food, water and shelter as the long nights and short days of survival begin.

Flocks of juncos and white throated sparrows have made their way from the northern forest to take up residence in my backyard.

Juncos have been commonly called “snowbirds,” because they show up so strikingly on the ground after the first snowfall. It is always a challenge for me to try and pick them out of the myriad of autumnal colors of leaves that cover my grounds.

If you see a leaf bouncing on the ground in the early morning, there is a good chance it is a junco or white throat right next to it. When you spot the one, your eyes will soon after discover twelve more. They flock well in numbers. They winter here, so tray feeders with sunflower chips and a “little” millet will help sustain them.

Even though natures colors may be waning, you can add color to your habitat by attracting reds and blues in the form of cardinals and bluejays. Both species will flock in the Winter to find food and shelter and protection from predators.

Whole peanuts, peanuts that are shelled and tree nuts in a good mix will bring in 6-10 strikingly beautiful bluejays like magic. Any really good mix of black oil sunflower, peanut meats, and safflower will brighten your winter yard with blazing red and orange of the male and female cardinals.

Thirty cardinals, queuing up on tree branches in my yard during a snowstorm, waiting their turn at the feeders, is a striking image.

These are just a few of the dozens of different species of birds you will attract in your yard this winter with good feeders and good food.

Here is a warning for you: do not be tricked into buying the “cheap blends” because they are cheap in price. They are useless in terms of foods that provide fat for the birds.

The number one food that the birds need to survive the long, cold, winter nights is fat. Cheap blends, with mostly millet, have no fat. Avoid those at all costs, even though the cost is minimal.

Don’t let the nakedness of nature dampen your spirit. Clothe your yard with many colorful birds. We can help you do this! Watch our video to learn how. Hint-Hint you get something for free!

Boring Title: How Will HQ2 Affect the Real Estate Market?

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Title insurance is boring, but Allied Title & Escrow is here to decode the jargon and make it (somewhat) more interesting. This biweekly feature will explore the mundane (but very necessary!) world of title insurance while sharing interesting stories of two friends’ entrepreneurial careers.

Allied Title’s CEO Latane Meade speaks on the recent news of HQ2 possibly landing in Crystal City and asks readers to share how it could potentially affect the real estate market in the DMV.

Small Biz Focus: ‘Tis the Season to Celebrate Local Biz

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

By Tara Palacios

Act local. Think local. Let’s Celebrate.

Small Business Saturday is almost upon us! The day after Black Friday is the day to formally celebrate the local businesses where we love to shop. Shopping local keeps our community unique, and what better way to support our independently-owned businesses than by patronizing them on November 24.

According to American Express, in 2017 an estimated 108 million consumers across the United States reported shopping or dining at independently-owned business on Small Business Saturday. These consumers generated $12 billion in reported spending.

Join BizLaunch online for an interactive pre-celebration of shopping local on Monday, November 19. We will visit area retail businesses throughout the day and promote our local shops in Arlington, VA on both Twitter and Facebook. Follow our hashtags as we visit local retail businesses to help you figure out which local shops you should visit on Small Business Saturday.

We invite you to tag your favorite local small business all day. Businesses can also join in on the fun if they’d like to tag themselves. Let’s celebrate our local businesses. Join us on Twitter by following #ShopSmall, #ArlingtonVA, #SmallBizSat and #ShopArlington.

Another great pre-celebratory event to support our local businesses is the, “Shop Local Walking Tour,” of Crystal City and Pentagon City on Saturday, November 17. BizLaunch is partnering with WalkArlington, Netwalking and the Crystal City BID to host the event.

Enjoy the area’s walkability, hear stories from local business owners and get a jump start on shopping local for the holidays. The event is free but registration is required. More information can be found here.

We hope you plan to #ShopLocal and #ShopArlington this Small Business Saturday!

Legal Insider: An Insight Into Reasonable Accommodations for Employees in Virginia

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

Many Virginia employees have come to us to discuss the reasonable accommodation process when they develop a medical condition or disability that requires a change in their duties or other workplace adjustments. We advise and represent private, federal, state and county sector employees throughout Virginia in reasonable accommodation cases.

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is an employee’s request to modify their employment conditions, assignments, hours, etc. to allow them to continue working in a position despite having a disability. Notably, the reasonable accommodation process applies to both employees and job applicants in all states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Primarily, under federal law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which applies to most employees, encompasses and outlines reasonable accommodations. More specifically, federal employees are also covered under the Rehabilitation Act, which incorporates similar protections as the ADA.

According to these laws, employers are required to engage in the reasonable accommodation process with qualified employees unless it would create an undue hardship for them.

In Virginia, many employees are also covered under the Virginians with Disabilities Act, which applies to most employers. Under both the federal and state laws, the goal of the reasonable accommodation process is to enable employees with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an equal opportunity in employment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidelines for reasonable accommodation requests.

Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation

The most typical type of reasonable accommodation involves an employee that has developed a medical condition or disability that requires some modifications or adjustments to their working arrangements.

Usually, an employee will ask for a reasonable accommodation by approaching their supervisor or human resources department, depending on the employer, and asking for one. Accordingly, a request for reasonable accommodation can be either formal or informal. For instance, depending on the employer, some have created specific forms covering reasonable accommodation requests; whereas, other employers simply involve informal verbal discussions between the employee and their immediate supervisor.

Regardless, once requested, there is usually a discussion about the reasonable accommodation requested. The discussion between an employer and employee is often called the “interactive process,” which simply means that the employer must engage the employee in attempting to resolve the reasonable accommodation request.

This process does not mean that an employer has to grant every accommodation sought (or even the specific one requested by the employee); rather, the employer is only required to make a good faith effort to accommodate a disabled employee.

There are far too many examples of reasonable accommodations to list here as they significantly vary based on an employee’s specific disability and their particular needs. However, the Job Accommodation Network provides examples of reasonable accommodations regarding specific medical conditions.

Conclusion

When an employee in the Commonwealth of Virginia needs to request a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition, it is important to obtain legal advice and/or legal representation. Our law firm is ready to advise and represent Commonwealth of Virginia employees in the reasonable accommodation process.

Should you need assistance in this process, please contact us by telephone at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page. Please also visit and like us on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

WWBG: This Weekend at Dominion Wine and Beer

By ARLnow.com Sponsor


Editor’s Note: This biweekly column is sponsored by Dominion Wine and Beer (107 Rowell Court, Falls Church). This week’s Guide is written by Arash Tafakor of Dominion Wine and Beer.

This weekend at Dominion Wine and Beer includes great draft features for pours and crowlers, plus an irresistible pairing special featuring our delicious Certified Piedmontese tenderloin!

On tap now or tapping soon are;

Follow our Twitter handle for tapping alerts and download the DigitalPour mobile app to view all 36 of our taps, pricing, and crowler/growler availability in real time!

For a limited time, take advantage of our amazing Tenderloin & Cabernet pairing special! Treat yourself to an 8 oz. Piedmontese tenderloin, seared and basted, dressed with Maitre d’ Hotel Butter, house salad and fries on the side, paired up perfectly with a glass of True Myth Wines Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon! An absolute steal at $40!

We are quite proud of our filet and our food in general!

Come enjoy a great meal and night out at Dominion. For a full list of new beer arrivals, wine sales, and more details click this link.

Healthy Paws: Halloween — The Recap

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Editor’s Note: Healthy Paws is a column sponsored and written by the owners of Clarendon Animal Care, a full-service, general practice veterinary clinic and winner of a 2017 Arlington Chamber of Commerce Best Business Award. The clinic is located 3000 10th Street N., Suite B. and can be reached at 703-997-9776.

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Well, we couldn’t have asked for better weather last night for a little trick or treating! And we couldn’t have asked for better entries to our #caccostumecontest!

Above are just a few of the awesome costumed pet pictures that were submitted. Follow us on Instagram (@clarendonanimalcare) and facebook (@clarendonvet) to see all the entries and winners!

Now that everyone has way too much candy in their homes, let’s recap some of the many reasons we should keep it all away from our fur-kids:

  • Chocolate, raisins and xylitol are all toxic to our pets! Chocolate can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias and neurological symptoms; raisins can cause acute kidney failure and xylitol can cause acute liver failure!
  • Often, our pets are no good at moderation and eating lots of fat and sugar-filled candy can cause some pretty impressive gastrointestinal disturbances, but also trigger more severe issues like pancreatitis.
  • The wrappers can lead to physical irritation and obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.

Arts Focus: Arlington Arts & Libraries Partnership Has Patrons Dancing In the Stacks

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
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This column is written and sponsored by Arlington Arts / Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington’s newest spot to catch great music is one you might not expect: Columbia Pike Branch Library!

With nearly 300 people dancing in the aisles for the season two’s opening concert last month, Groovin’ On the Pike: After Hours at the Library dance party continues Friday, November 2 with internationally-renowned West African musician and griot Cheick Hamala Diabate. As evidenced by Diabate’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert (see below), it’s going to be a great time!

A co-presentation between Arlington Arts and Arlington Public Library, the free event represents a partnership across Arlington County Government divisions that broadens the scope of performing arts venues in the County, while also bringing new and different constituencies into the library. The series continues with the New Orleans soul of Funky Miracle on Dec 7, and Little Red and the Renegades on February 1, 2019.

Featuring a diverse line up of musical groups from near and far, guests can dance in the stacks and enjoy a brew from the cash bar every first Friday of the month!

Washington may be chock-a-block with lobbyists and consultants, but only one of them rocks the n’goni, the West African plucked lute covered with animal skin.

Cheick Hamala Diabate advises presidents and the World Bank. He’s played for everyone from a struggling couple trying to save their marriage, to the U.S. Congress. He’s hobnobbed with American string and Blues legends — from Bela Fleck to Corey Harris — and along the way reunited his beloved instrument with its long-lost grandchild, America’s banjo.

While partying at your local library has been somewhat rare in recent years, they have a long history as special event venues. Historically, the Library was often among the more spacious and attractive public facilities in communities both large and small. Today architects and urban planners are increasingly viewing Libraries as ‘third places’: that space between ‘home’ and ‘workplace’ that serves multiple recreational and civic functions.

As detailed in this article in American Libraries magazine, more and more these spaces are being reimagined as “the “living room of the city,” and as such it was less focused on books and more focused on human needs, providing space for performances, meetings, children’s activities, art installations and general public gatherings.”

Come on out and get ‘balanced’ as you sway to the lilting rhythms of Cheick Hamala Diabate — free on Friday, Nov 2 at Columbia Pike Branch Library.

Click this link for free tickets.

The Chew: Separation Anxiety in Dogs

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Bark + Boarding, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, Bark & Boarding offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.

by Chelsea Pennington, Bark + Boarding Writer and Animal Enthusiast

Getting a new dog can be exciting but what do you do if you realize your new pooch hates being home alone? Howling, destructive behaviors and urinating in the house are all habits no one wants in their pet, but there can be a simple explanation: separation anxiety.

Being aware of this common trait in dogs can help you identify the signs and get the help your pet needs so that you can both feel relaxed whenever you leave home.

There is no single defined cause of separation anxiety, which can make it hard to diagnose. Potential causes usually stem from a major life change, such as a new owner, moving to a new residence, a shift in their regular schedule or a missing household member, perhaps due to death or moving away.

Separation anxiety in dogs can manifest in a variety of ways. Common signs include excessive barking or howling, destructive acts like chewing furniture or scratching at doors and urinating in the house. Sometimes the signs aren’t as obvious, like intense pacing or excessive drooling, panting or salivation. If the dog is confined, separation anxiety may also cause him or her to try and escape, whether by digging if outdoors or clawing at their cage.

If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s important to first rule out some other potential causes. Incontinence might be a result of a number of medical problems, old age or lack of training. Boredom can also be a cause of destructive behavior.

Be sure your pup has plenty of toys left out for them to play with when you leave, so that they always have something to do. Try using interactive toys that allow you to hide a treat inside for the dog to find to keep them occupied.

Howling or barking can be caused by triggers in the environment, like a new sound or something they see through the window. If this is the cause, it will often happen whether or not the owner is home.

If you determine that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, there are several measures you can take to help. Ensure that your dog has had the opportunity to expel some energy prior to leaving. When you do leave, don’t make a big deal out of it, if you act as if leaving is normal it helps your dog get the message that it’s all part of a standard routine.

If this doesn’t work, you can also mix up your ‘going away’ signals. Use a different door, put on your coat and shoes but don’t leave immediately, or keep your keys, purse or shoes in a new location. The goal is to change the fact that your dog associates these behaviors with leaving, causing them to get anxious before you even step out the door.

You can also help relieve separation anxiety by giving them a distraction. Leaving them with a toy, particularly something like a Kong with peanut butter, helps them not notice you leaving. You can also leave a radio or TV playing while you’re gone. The sound of human voices has often been shown to help calm down anxious dogs while their owners are away.

If you’ve tried working with your pup and are still seeing signs of separation anxiety there are many over-the-counter, prescription or all natural supplements that may help. Pheromone collars and/or diffusers, like Adaptil, send calming messages to your dog helping them relax in stressful situations.

Supplements, like NaturVet’s Quiet Moments Calming Aid, use all-natural ingredients like tryptophan & melatonin to help your pup in times of stress. Many vets now recommend CBD oil, which can be put directly in the dog’s mouth or come in treat form to help relieve anxiety.

If all else fails, talk to your vet about starting your dog on an anti-anxiety or anti-depressant.  Remember that none of these are a magic fix and should be combined with training to ensure the best possible results.

If your dog is struggling to overcome separation anxiety, bringing them to doggy daycare is also a good solution. At daycare your dog spends time with other dogs and humans all day long, keeping them far too busy to experience separation anxiety.

Looking for more tips, interested in adorable pet pics or just want to get more information on what we do? Stay connected with Bark + Boarding on Facebook, Instagram and our website.

Click here to check out our short video about this article!

Mention this article for a free evaluation and click here to sign up for one today. If you have a question about your pet, feel free to come in or email [email protected] any time.

Neighborhood Spotlight: The Top 3 Dog Parks in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Top 3 Dog Parks Of Arlington, VA

Arlington’s neighborhoods are packed with condos and high-rise apartments, but dogs without backyards have an abundance of dog parks nearby. We researched Arlington dog parks to bring you the top 3 where dogs and owners alike can socialize! Watch for our article coming soon to ARLnow.

Posted by Keri Shull Team on Friday, October 26, 2018

Like most of us, dogs love fresh air, sunshine and room to stretch out.

Arlington’s neighborhoods are packed with condos and high-rise apartments, but dogs without backyards still have three excellent dog parks nearby. These are all places where you can let your dog run off leash and play with other dogs while you get to know your neighbors.

Taking your dog to the dog park might even help reduce the costs of veterinary care — like us, dogs are healthier when they’re well-exercised and have time to socialize. Young dogs need an outlet for their abundant energy, while older dogs can be taken to the park and motivated to play with younger dogs.

In the video above, Keri Shull and Drew Carpenter of the Keri Shull Team break down the top three dog parks in Arlington. All of these dog parks stand within easy reach of popular Arlington residential and business areas.

3. Shirlington Park — Shirlington

Location: 2754-2798 S Oakland Street, alongside the Four Mile Run Trail. Parking is easy to find here.

Shirlington park is natural and grassy, with many areas to run. One advantage of Shirlington dog park is that the smaller dogs and larger dogs have separate play areas, so your pug won’t have to dodge the massive mitts of a Newfoundland.

2. Glencarlyn Dog Park — Glencarlyn

Location: 301 S Harrison Street, northwest of Shirlington Dog Park, also located along theFour Mile Run Trail.

Glencarlyn dog park offers free parking.

Glencarlyn is the best of these dog parks to visit if you also have children who want to run and play. It’s a beautiful park with picnic tables, a playground, an off-leash dog park area and a stream. Glencarlyn is strung with trails for biking and jogging. There’s even a “learning loop” where wobbly young bicyclists can practice their skills.

1. James Hunter Park — Clarendon

Location: 1299 North Herndon Street, this is right in the heart of downtown Arlington.

Clarendon’s James Hunter Park features a solar-powered stone waterfall pool for dogs to cool off in during the dog days of Arlington summers. This fountain runs about three seasons of the year, then closes in the wintertime.

This park is completely enclosed by a fence, so dogs can run off-leash without escaping. Unique sound paneling muffles the dog noise so nearby high-rise neighbors aren’t disturbed by raucous dogs.

This dog park is locally a bit infamous for costing $1.8 million to construct.

Parking can be a little more difficult to find here than at the Shirlington or Glencarlyn dog parks, but if James Hunter Park is within a 30-minute walk of your house or condo in Arlington, this is a park your dog will love, especially during the summer.

Dog’s Choice

What’s your dog’s favorite dog park in Arlington? How can you tell? Let us know in the comments!

Flying Colors: Fallin’ for Fall

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Flying Colors column banner

Flying Colors is a sponsored column on the hobby of backyard bird feeding written by Michael Zuiker, owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited store at the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. Visit the store at 2437 N. Harrison Street or call 703-241-3988.

Aaahhhhhh. It is the best season of the year. The birds are singing. The bees are humming. The flowers are blooming. Couples are snuggling. The candy shaped hearts are filling…

Oh Wait! Wrong Season.

This is the best time of the year. The birds are flocking. The flowers are going to harvest and seed. Candy looks more like bats and monsters. But, hey couples are still snuggling in the brutally fierce cold north winds blowing down from the Canadian Provinces. It is the perfect time to “fall for fall!”

With trees putting on a rainbow show of colors, the bright blue skies, the crimson sunsets and glorious brilliant golden sunrises, how can you not embrace this fantastic season?

In addition to natures colorful show, your birds are ever more active in your yards. They are in tune to the changes and are adapting their schedules to ensure they will survive.

We have it easy. The temperatures drop and we put on another coat or sweater or both. When it gets dark we go inside and snuggle up to the fireplace and a good book. The wild birds in your yards are not so lucky. Well, depending on what is on TV, they may be luckier than us. But their nights are longer and colder and they must eat a lot to survive.

To do so, they will find the good places to forage for food. This could be a large field with wild flowers and shrubs going to seed and fruit. Truth is, you do not see those fields very much around here anymore. So, the birds have to find other reliable places to go to get the food they need to survive.

This is where your restaurants come in. When you set up your feeding stations and keep them filled with “fresh, high fat foods”, the birds will set those up as their winter-feeding stations. The birds will know that those feeders will give them a source for high energy foods they need.

Does this mean you can’t take a week off and go to Miami to play in the surf? No, you can. The birds will not become dependent on only one source of food to sustain themselves. Birds will have multiple feeding stations around your neighborhood, as long as they exist, and forage at all of them. Yet you will insure that you get many visitors of different species by keeping your feeding stations full.

Remember, very soon, your backyard birds will be out in the cold nights for 12 hours. That is a long time to burn of their food that they were able to find during the shorter hours of the day. Less flying around to find food and more readily accessible high-quality food close by gives the birds a much better chance to survive the winter.

Many of our customers say that all is their favorite season. If you are one of them, then we say “fall for fall!” Get out and play — maybe not this weekend with the impending Nor’ Easter! Instead, fill up your feeders and help your wild birds get the food they need to weather this storm.

Until October 31, Wild Birds Unlimited is having our Fall Bird Food Sale! All of our 20 lb. bags of premium blends and seeds are 15% off. Daily Savings Club members will receive an additional 5% off.

If you want to learn more about becoming a DSC member, ask an associate for details. Stock up before the nasty weather and get those feeders filled. The entertainment of watching your birds will have your “fallin for fall!”

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