Noel Nic’Fergusson, a lifelong resident of the Northwest, has built a distinguished reputation as a professional wildlife conservation photographer. For three decades she has called Whidbey Island home where she has cultivated her passion for preserving nature's beauty. Thirty years ago, when Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) first opened its doors in Clinton, she became a customer. Even after its relocation to Freeland, she continued to frequent the store to source supplies for the birds in her yard.
In 2022, Noel noticed that WBU was up for sale. Despite her interest, she was occupied with travel and couldn't respond to the opportunity at that time. However, fate intervened a year later when she revisited the store to purchase bird feed. The owner, aware of her previous interest, inquired if she was still considering buying the business, to which she eagerly responded yes!
Transitioning from a loyal customer to the proprietor of WBU was a natural progression for Noel. She had always admired the store's commitment to providing top-quality products for attracting wild birds. Acquiring the business mid-February of 2024, Noel embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly.
Reflecting on her new venture, Noel expresses her excitement: “Stepping into the world of Wild Birds Unlimited feels like 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.
Wild Birds Unlimited stands out as an independently owned and operated company, with potential owners undergoing thorough vetting before acquiring the business. Currently, there are approximately 350 privately owned WBU stores across the United States and Canada. At the Freeland location, Noel works alongside two part-time employees who are passionate and knowledgeable about birds and nature.
Word of Noel's ownership is spreading across Whidbey, with many locals stopping by to meet her and share in her excitement.
Located at 5565 VanBarr Place in Freeland, Wild Birds Unlimited operates seven days a week. The store's hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For inquiries, contact WBU at 360-341-1404 or send a message to wbu@whidbey.com. Or visit their Facebook Page
