Tucson, Arizona

Danny's Profile

"My mom fed the birds. I remember her always putting out peanuts for 'her squirrels,' and seeing cardinals and robins constantly running around in our yard. She loved them. I can still hear the excitement in her voice when she saw one outside. That's where my initial interest in birds came from. When I was in graduate school I worked at the Oracle Store and learned about the birds here in the Sonoran Desert. Working here is pretty amazing. I meet some characters. But, everyone that passes through our door has either a new desire for this hobby or has been involved in it for years. Regardless of how long someone has been feeding or watching the birds, everyone has this excited light in their eyes when they talk about 'their birds.' That's the payoff for me: hearing people talk about their intimate connection with nature."

Favorite Bird: The Cardinal

"Ok, ok. I know. Not the 'cardinal' you were expecting. But, I grew up Catholic and had to give them a shout-out. Eric told me to keep it light."

Favorite Bird Feeder: The Dinner Bell

"This truly is my favorite feeder. I have two in my yard. It's flirty and functional. Yes, feeders can be 'flirty.' This baby is the porche of the feeder world as far as I'm concerned. If you're a 'gear-head' then you know what I mean. Though I'm not a 'gear-head.'"

Favorite Seed: Peanuts, in the shell

"I think these are some well-thought-out legumes. They attract the cardinals, cactus wrens, thrashers and woodpeckers. But (and here's the cool part), the doves and house finches can't break into them. How cool is that!"