Wildlife Photographer Noel Nic'Fergusson Takes Over Freeland's Wild Birds Unlimited
Whidbey wildlife photographer Noel Nic'Fergusson bought the Freeland Wild Birds Unlimited she'd shopped at for 30 years — starting as a customer when it first opened in Clinton.
Noel Nic'Fergusson had been buying bird feed at Wild Birds Unlimited for three decades before the store's previous owner turned the question around on her: was she still interested in buying the place?
She said yes.
Nic'Fergusson, a professional wildlife conservation photographer who has lived on Whidbey Island for 30 years, acquired the Freeland location of Wild Birds Unlimited in mid-February 2024. Her history with the store stretches back to its original Clinton location, where she first became a customer when it opened roughly three decades ago. She continued shopping there after it relocated to Freeland, stocking up on supplies for the birds in her yard.
The path to ownership had a near-miss. In 2022, Nic'Fergusson noticed the store was for sale but was deep into travel commitments and let the opportunity pass. About a year later, she returned to the store to pick up bird feed. The previous owner, aware of her earlier interest, asked if she was still considering the purchase. She was.
"Stepping into the world of Wild Birds Unlimited feels like embarking on a journey where every day is a celebration of nature," Nic'Fergusson said in a statement following the acquisition. "As a wildlife photographer and nature enthusiast, embracing this journey of owning a WBU nature shop fills me with joy and excitement! I love the community, warmth and passion for natures feather, fur and fuzzy friends.. and envision endless possibilities. It's a voyage dedicated to fostering education, preservation, and reveling in nature and wildlife together."
Word of the change spread quickly across the island, with neighbors stopping by the store to meet her. Nic'Fergusson works alongside two part-time employees who are described as knowledgeable about birds and nature.
Wild Birds Unlimited operates as an independently owned and operated franchise, with prospective buyers undergoing a vetting process before any sale is finalized. There are approximately 350 privately owned WBU locations across the United States and Canada.
The Freeland store is at 5565 VanBarr Place and is open seven days a week: 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.
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