Meet Your Wild Birds Unlimited Family

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Stark and Jillian Dalrymple (pictured above)

Jillian Dalrymple (Eric and Sara's eldest daughter).

The truth is I've never really invested in nature or local wildlife. It was only until my parents purchased Wild Birds Unlimited that I started to learn and appreciate our ecosystem.

Beginning employment at Wild Birds Unlimited is a bittersweet story as it begins with the unexpected passing of my father, Eric. However, being there, connecting with the customers, hearing their stories about bird feeding, and their interactions with my dad has brought me more joy than I could ever expect.

What's my favorite bird you ask? Doves. I think they're undervalued, but one of the major things they do for our ecosystem system is help pollinate Saguaros. Saguaros are nesting sites for multiple birds including Gila Woodpecker, and Gilded flicker. Also, the excavated Woodpecker holes then become homes to a plethora of other birds.

My favorite product is the same as my father's, recycled tray feeder. I always say "purchase with purpose" meaning buy products that also benefit other things. We offer products that are made of recycled materials, and we have other items that when you purchase them it gives back to to a group in need.

I'm learning every day about what Arizona 's Wildlife has to offer, and hope you share your stories and pictures of your adventures in bird feeding with me.

 

 

 

Richard (Ricky) Stark (son in law to Eric and Sara Dalrymple, married to Jill Dalrymple)

For the better part of my young life, I was outside bike riding or playing sports. When I found out in my early 20s that I was losing my vision I gravitated to more inside activities like gaming and bowling. I never had much of an interest in birds until I met my lovely wife Jill and she introduced me to the Dalrymple's but now I am hooked.

My favorite bird is the Vermilion flycatcher, and while I agree they are beautiful birds I really like that they eat flying insects. I am not a fan of flying insects.

My favorite product we carry are bark butter bits. Trust me when I say the birds LOVE it.

I look forward to helping out each and every one of you with a smile and a joke :)

Ricky Stark

 

 

 

 

Carolyn James (longtime friend of the Dalrymple family)

I've always appreciated and loved nature since as far back as I can remember. I was born in Nevada and lived on Lake Mead until I was six. I loved fishing, collecting rocks, and hiking. We moved to Arizona, and I became enamored with all of its natural beauty.

I, like Jill, started my career at Wild Birds Unlimited after Eric passed. I feel lucky to be so involved with something that meant so much to him. It just so happened that he and I had always connected over gardening, Wildlife, and the occasional game of Words with friends.

My favorite bird(s) are Ravens and Crows. I have a soft spot for them because I befriended one when I was younger. They're just an incredibly clever bird with a unique black plume and as an added bonus they keep the bug and rodent population down. (Which we can all appreciate!)

My favorite feeder is the little jar hummingbird feeder. It works great, but if I'm completely being honest, I like it because it's adorable and cute.

While I absolutely look forward to helping you meet your birding needs and getting to know you, what I really am excited for is you to bring your pets in!

I have a supply of treats for pets on standby!

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Dalrymple 11/1/2007-4/10/2025

"This is the store that Eric built"

"My first memory of birds and bird feeding came from watching my grandmother feed chickadees from her hand. Grandma had done this for years, much to everyone’s amazement. Her other passion was collecting every type of bird knick-knack ever made. I assume this is where my father’s interest in bird feeding and his dislike of knick-knacks began. It's also the reason why in those very cold Ohio winters, when the snow was knee deep and the temperature was in the low teens, my brothers and I had the responsibility of filling the eight bird feeders on the property. Back in those days the seed came from the feed store and the suet from the local butcher. All of our bird feeders were made by my father, and they all held the same type of seed, a mix of millet and striped sunflower seed."

"While times have changed and there are so many types of bird feeders and bird food to choose from, the feeling of bringing nature up close and personal still remains the same for me."

Favorite bird: Gila Woodpecker: "They're clever and entertaining."

Favorite Feeder: Recycled Tray Feeder: "You can put anything in it."

Favorite Seed: Peanut Pieces: "Because they're high in fat and the birds love 'em!"