Since 2008, Michael and Carol Moore have owned and operated The Wild Bird Center located in Park Plaza. Their store carries a wide range of bird-related merchandise. Photo by Brian Lancione

By Rochelle Karina

Being able to enjoy the local flora and fauna is part of the charm of living in Severna Park. You don’t have to be an avid bird watcher to get pleasure from installing feeders, baths and other wildlife habitats in your yard. Wild Bird Center in Park Plaza offers a one-stop-shop for backyard beauty. Owners Michael and Carol Moore took over the shop in March 2008. The location had originally opened in February 2000, and before the Moores purchased the shop, Michael took a turn working there.

“I’ve been in retail for over 40 years,” Moore explains. “I’ve had an interest in outdoor birding since I was a teenager. I worked here prior to purchasing the shop to make sure it was a good fit.” Needless to say, it was.

“The customer base is fantastic,” Moore continued. “I’ve never had anything that was quite so stress free and fun, especially the community. All the folks we’ve met and friends we’ve made are wonderful.”

Inside the Wild Bird Center, customers will find a wide range of bird seeds, feeders and other birding products, as well as a selection of unique items, many made in the USA. “Many of the products are tested by me before they go into the store,” explains Moore. “We have weather vanes, and work from local artisans including really nice museum-quality origami by Francine Shay.” Shay shares the proceeds with her daughter, who works with two different charities. Moore believes supporting the community is important. To that end, the company participates in the annual spaghetti dinner, helps support local schools and other events as they come up. “We get a birding poster from Cornell that covers all the local birds,” Moore continues. “I hand that one out so kids can learn about area birds. Families love them. We want to maintain healthy local wildlife. We take away so much of their habitat because we don’t realize what we’re doing.”

Looking ahead, Moore sees growth – for the company and the community. “We will be carrying more products that are green, and that make sense for our outdoor nature needs.”

“Our customers are our friends first,” Moore explains. “I firmly believe that – friends first, customers second. Creating an environment in your backyard is not something you have to do. But when you come home from a bad day, you can make it a good day – you come home and you enjoy this space you’ve made. It’s your own little Disney World, bringing happiness and a space to enjoy, set up just the way you want.”

Moore encourages people to stop by the store just to introduce themselves and say hello. “Come by and take a peek,” he says. “Experience the shop and what it has to offer that can improve your life and environment.”

To stop in and say hello, visit the Wild Bird Center at 568 Ritchie Highway in Park Plaza, or call at 410-647-2453.