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Our web site is updated nearly every day it seems with news, calendar of events, product announcements and additions to our ever evolving photo-album. This summary of site revisions has been requested by several regular visitors to this site - we hope you too will find it helpful and check back often! |
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| March 2010 |  03/05/10We struggle at times to keep this website current with all the new, creative stuff that comes in each week. "Someday," says Louise's web-monkey, "someday we'll get caught up and be current." Just after saying something like that an order of Folkmanis finger puppets arrived, including a quirky, cute flying piglet with wings. "Ah, we'll get up-to-date 'when pigs fly'!" See the complete collection » » |
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| 03/04/10 Isopods are crustaceans, diverse in form with over 10,000 species. The Isopod, or Pillbug, is an omnivore or scavenger feeding on dead or decaying plants and is a common inhabitant of nearly all environments. You can study these tiny little bugs thanks to a new "kit" available at JJ Cardinal's. Check 'em out » » |
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| February 2010 |  02/26/10With snow blowing, drifting and piling up all around us it's not hard to start thinking: spring! Our March newsletter: JJ Cardinal's Calendar is available in-store and on-line...it may just help you get into mood, too. C'mon crocus! [Link to copy of newsletters »] |
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 02/24/10Our "events calendar" has been updated through April 2010 - check out the downloadable .pdf file....perfect for posting on 'fridge at home or bulletin board at school or church! » » Also listed on our "events" page » » |
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| 02/12/10 New book: One Child, One Planet - a creative photostory by Bridget McGovern Llewellyn, photography by Jean Stoick & Carl R. Sams, II. » » |
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 02/11/10Burt's Natural Care products can make a difference in your health and well-being...so we're thrilled to have the new Burt's Natural Toothpaste in-stock » »  02/10/10 |
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 02/05/10J.J. Cardinal's is fortunate to be "in-the-news" again today - the Flint Journal published a really nice story by Scott Atkinson regarding Louise's community activity and envolvement. See our press clippings for the full story » » |
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  02/01/10Windowsill Gardens that really grow beautiful plants! More info » » Folding tool seat with storage » » |
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| January 2010 | 01/30/10 Powered by the sun: Sunblossom solar chimes make a lovely gift - new styles now in-stock » » |
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 01/27/10Our supply of stoneware mugs got wiped-out over the holidays...but we've re-stocked the Mudworks collection featuring creative & quirky 3-D decoration. More info » » |
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 01/24/10After posting several new Backyard Nature / Birds Choice bird feeders like the mesh style feeder for niger seed below, some of the older styles of the cedar Birds Choice feeders shown on our site looked...well, old. So Louise captured fresh, new, original photos of some of our best selling hopper style feeders. You won't find these quality bird feeders at the big box stores! » » |
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 01/23/10Calling owls! Our "Mini-Hooter" wildbird call is made in Missouri and they will call barred, great horned and spotted owls. A favorite of sportsmen & women, birders and photographers nationwide! More info » » |
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| 01/22/10 Got a problem with pests, critters and varmits tapping into your bird seed storage? Solution: galvanized steel cans with tight fitting lids » » |
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 01/21/10Valentine's Day will be here before you know it - among the many gift items you can find at JJ Cardinal's, several of the Secret Boxes we offer have a "heart theme". More info » » |
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| 01/21/10 Since we're offering several large seed cakes and suet cakes, like the Jumbo 3-pound Pinetree Farms Suet Cake, it's really cool to find a new, well-made large suet cake cage! Take a look » » New recycled double suet cake feeder from Birds Choice© » » |
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 01/20/10New "spring merchandise" has been rolling into JJ Cardinal's - some mighty creative stuff like these simple feeding trays for offering meal worms (bluebird) and grape jelly (orioles)...one is brown/taupe, the other is bright orange. Guess which is which. » » |
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 01/19/10Popularity in recycled "poly lumber" feeders continues to grow - they're made from recycled milk jugs and the wonderfully easy to clean...so we're thrilled that one of our primary suppliers of quality made-in-the-USA bird feeders has introduced a slew....make that: a gaggle of great new products like this rectangular shaped feeder for offering niger (thistle) seed. It's called the Magnet Mesh Niger/Thistle Feeder. More info » » |
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 01/18/10Winter months can be harsh for many species of birds in Northern regions. Almost every day we get reports of local sightings of American Robin and Eastern Bluebirds - Lynne F. sent us photos of both plus an Oriole sighting from last May. That's why we're so thrilled whenever we get feedback like we received from Brian C. of Grand Blanc after he added a heating element to an existing bird bath this month. Brian was kind enough to send photos of some of the early visitors, which we've posted in our Photo Album » » |
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 01/17/10There are some advertising jingles that just stick with you. JJ Cardinal's web-guy confesses: "sometimes you feel like a nut..." More info » » (yep...we're actually selling walnuts!) |
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 01/16/10Two new packaged foods recently became available to help provide high protein diets during chilly winter months: Suet Plus with Mealworms and Roasted Wax Grubs...(such news is met with a chorus of cheers and applause reverberating through cyberspace). Yum. More info » » |
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| 01/16/10 We've found a neat line of natural and organic cleaners and household products that will help you reduce the use of harsh, harmful chemicals in your life. Healthy, safe and easy on your budget, Organica™. More info » » |
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 01/08/10The Flint Journal was kind enough to publish the final sales results of our "holiday Giving Tree" - proceeds for Fenton-based Adopt-a-Pet and the Humane Society of Genesee County. See the article » » |
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| December 2009 |  12/23/09One very popular (hot) idea this season are heated bird baths...we have quite a selection including the Kozy Bird Spa with integrated heating element in dish » » |
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 12/05/09Our Sole Mate Socks, mismatched with care in Vermont, have been popular this season - we even had an official Sole Mate Socks model visit our shoppe the other day » » (larger action photo »») |
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 12/04/09Aspect's quality series of Quick-Clean® tubular feeders now includes the large capacity Big Tube with re-engineered Cardinal Perches. Made in the USA! More info » » |
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| 12/03/09 Even web-blogs have picked up on our One Laptop Per Child contest at JJ Cardinal's! We're flattered when we read an interesting, recent web-blog called "Women In Business". Says L.A. Wolfe: "A Clever Retail Store Marketing Contest Geared to Kids" ....more » » |
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| November 2009 |  11/20/09 We finally got our Slinky® toys back in stock! And
thrilled they are still made in the USA » »Also just in: vintage all-wood Frontier Logs and Fiddlesticks » » |
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| 11/19/09 George Carruth is always creating something new with his collection of American Craft Sculpture...we just love the new plaques and garden accents » » |
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  11/17/09Plenty of new books and gifts for kids designed to stimulate thought and creativity - like "Chippy Chipmunk" a delightful photostory » » Our Photo-Album continues to grow - come see all the fun activities available at JJ Cardinal's! » » |
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 11/16/09Paper and pencil are the first tools used by GoodPlanet™ when building their fine bird houses and feeders - made to last from quality materials. Take a peak: bird houses · squirrel feeders · oriole feeders · bluebird feeders · suet feeders · kits |
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| 11/15/09 A friend of ours who owns and operates a nice little business (similar to our lil' shoppe) Wild Bird & Backyard in Appleton, WI has expanded his presence in cyberspace. Congrats, Mike! We can appreciate the work you have put into developing this really swell website » » |
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  11/15/09
& 11/19/09Both of our local newspapers have been generous this week helping spread the good word about JJ Cardinal's Laptop Giveaway » » |
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| 11/11/09 Our colorful 4-page holiday newsletter: JJ Cardinal's Notebook is at the local print-shop...but why wait to see a copy when it's available right here at this website? Isn't technology neat? Link » » |
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 11/10/09To help promote the global education initiative: One Laptop Per Child we are donating 2 cute but powerful little XO laptop computers - one to a child in a developing region of the world, another to a local child. For info about the XO laptop computer and our contest, click here » » |
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| 11/04/09JJ Cardinal is In-The-News again
- a little birdie told us about a Flint Journal article that broke today
online (MLive site) about Louise's "Giving-Tree". Read all about it » » |
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 11/02/09We incorporated the winning pictures from this years photo contest into our photo-album. Quick link: » » |
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| October 2009 |  10/29/09The nice folks in Maine from Coveside Conservation have engineered several new window-mount bird feeder designs and we're thrilled by the quality and creativity. See more at our page of feeders devoted to "window-mount" designs » » |
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 10/28/09For the young nature explorer: a quality bug & butterfly net...see more at our "kids & kits" page » »
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| 10/22/09 More images from local nature photographer Roger Eriksson - available in greeting cards and prints - the image to right is titled: "Snuggle Up" » » |
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 10/20/09Our suction cups for window mount feeders, suncatchers and other accessories are made in the USA by Adams Mfg. who just introduced a new line of strong hooks and hangers - all secured to windows with super strong suction cups. More info » » |
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 10/18/09The new Identiflyer Ultra is the 3rd generation of handheld electronic bird identification devices. Compact and easier to use than ever - combines audio with visual image - almost too cool to imagine » » |
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| 10/15/09 Sometimes there is just no comparison. Case in point: we noticed a new product announcement this month in a trade magazine that we receive. A national franchise, WBU, was promoting their Bark Butter Feeder - a 4x4 block of wood to smear peanut butter on and attract woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches (retail $27.95). A block of wood ...27.95 ...for a block of wood! [pause for effect] We thought: yippee - how timely! We just re-stocked our lovely, unique, extremely well made Peanut Butter Paddle featuring pocket holes for suet or peanut butter mixture, hanger and attractive roof. Routed edges, sanded. Twice the feeder, in our humble opinion, for 20% less. More info » » |
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 10/08/09Tom's mantis is about to lay an egg pod - he was kind enough to send pictures for our "photo-album" » » |
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 10/03/09Looking for a durable cleaning brush that works as hard as you do? We have quite an assortment including this "Whisker Brush" which is ideal for bird baths » » |
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| 10/02/09 We've enjoyed Roger Eriksson's beautiful nature photography for several years and previously had some of his work posted on this site. His picture of the Sedge Wren is so popular we thought it was about time to get Roger's work back on our "photography page" » » |
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  10/01/09Garden Gnomes have arrived - New Solar Powered and traditional statuary style. Quirky and cute » » Solar Fairies » » |
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| September 2009 |  09/30/09Compressed seed cakes and suet cakes are popular this time of year. We just received a cute collection of decorative seed cakes for the holidays from Mr. Bird - a premier USA manufacturer and something new from Pinetree Farms: Suet Duet - a seed cake with suet core » » |
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| 09/29/09 Shimmering fused glass captures and transform light into something magical...use as a suncatcher or ornament » » |
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 09/28/09Charming new holiday theme ornaments from Karen Anderson » » |
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 09/27/09It's not new at JJ Cardinal's - but when we got a fresh shipment of these popular birdcalls in-stock we opted to freshen-up the image of this simple but effective device » » |
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| 09/22/09 An ever popular kids gift at JJ Cardinal's is the genuine Uncle Milton's Ant Farm - delighting curious minds for over 50 years....1st introduced in 1956 » » |
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  09/21/09Looking for a decorative, yet functional birdhouse? » » Or, how about Vintage Hand-painted collector plates? Select from Northern Cardinal or Eastern Bluebird » » |
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| 09/20/09 "We cannot believe that this December 3, 2009 will be our 18th Anniversary," says JJ Cardinal founder and owner Louise Dawson. She writes in this installment of "Louise Notes" about new customers, welcomes a new employee and more » »
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| 09/18/09 Toys that inspire thought and creativity always appeals to us - especially when they are made right here in the US of A. So we're excited about our new collection of "retro" or vintage toys by Channel Craft - see our Kids & Kits page...great gifts to have on-hand for the grandkids when they come visit! » » |
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 09/17/09 Zoom-zoom.....remember the fun you used to have with a simple balsa
wood airplane? Well, silly, you still can (have fun). Grab a buddy and let's go
fly! » »Flip-flop....wooden toy called Jacob's Ladder, one of the world's oldest, ancient toys - take a peak » » |
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| 09/16/09 "We're gettin' a DVD player for the store," says Louise. She's excited....just ordered a new, awesome video called "First Flight - a mother hummingbird's story" and rather than rely on her laptop 'puter to display the product in-store...she knows it's time to acquire a dedicated device. More info: DVD » » Companion book » » |
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 09/14/09The snap swivel is the secret to our collection of Utility Hangers. Attach this end to your feeder bail wire and secure the attached chain to a tree limb - presto - you'll immediately put a stop to critters hauling your bird feeders and suet feeders off into the woods! More info » » |
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 09/13/09The creative line of Second Nature Recycled Bird Feeders by Birds Choice continues to grow - we are proud to introduce the Large Recycled Fly Thru Feeder » »
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 09/08/09Stoneware magnets made by a creative artist right here in the US of A! see the collection » » |
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09/07/09 Cast
aluminum will not rust so it is an ideal material for durable outdoor products like bird
feeders and bird baths that may get a bit of abuse by critters or other wildlife. So, when
the creative American artists at Whitehall Products
of Montague, MI created a versatile dish for either bird feeding or small bird bath we got
excited and quickly ordered 'em! We're hoping you do the same. More info » » |
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 09/06/09We've added more of the creative artistic expression from American Craft artist Jenifer Thacher » » |
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| 09/04/09 There seems to be no end to the creativity of the designers at Erva Tool...now in-stock a steel 3 spike spinner ideal for offering whole cob corn » » |
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 09/03/09Latest "Louise Notes" article: Providing for hummingbirds as fall migration begins » » |
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 09/02/09Looking for a deck hook to hang your feeder so that the debris falls off on the ground rather than coating the deck? Erva Tool has developed a strong, adjustable deck arm that will hold up to 10#. Take a peak at our hardware » » |
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| August 2009 | 08/28/09 Sometimes we all have too many options...in all aspects of our lives. This can also be the case when shopping for hardware for bird feeders and bird houses. Our collection of quality steel hardware made-in-the USA by Erva Tool - pole, hooks, baffles, and more - are shown on our "accessories and hardware page". Since these items are all sold "ala-carte" it can be a bit overwhelming initially - to help those starting from scratch we have compiled a simple 1/2 page "hardware solutions" guide in .pdf form » » |
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08/22/09 Yes, we're guilty of thinking of holidays even in
the midst of hot, humid days of summer. But, if you seek a quality gift for special people
in your universe - not some mindless extruded crud - but rather, creative and unique
special thoughtful treasures...you'll be glad we did our homework! Lots of interesting new
merchandise is beginning to arrive, like these durable rock-maple hand crafted rattles by Maple
Landmark of Vermont » » |
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 08/20/09Let the sun shine in - and celebrate with lovely suncatchers from Studio One Art Glass from Milwaukee, Wisconsin » » |
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| 08/19/09 Introducing several new attractive stoneware mugs from MudWorks » » |
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 08/18/09Releasing monarch butterflies at Abbey Park » » |
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 08/14/09New to our affordable optics collection: Alpen compact 8x25 binoculars » »
08/07/09 |
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 08/01/09Well, Tiger Woods just won the 51st (& last) Buick Open, our little taste of fame on the world stage...nice event for the community and local charities (and golf fans) but not necessarily a huge boost to our business....local folks tend to avoid busy traffic. So, the minor lull in business allowed us to freshen-up the store and update this website. For example: we're revisited our collection of Bovano glass enameled sculpture » » (Greenbrier Classic replaces Buick Open on PGA Tour effective 2010, says Reuters News) |
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| July 2009 | 07/18/09 Our photo-album continues to grow - especially pictures from customers of their birds and feeders. The latest are 2 shots from George of his robin and nest » » |
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  07/15/09Nyjer®, Niger, Guizotia abyssinica....how 'bout if we just call it Thistle? see: new Louise's Notes article » » 07/14/09 Harmony Hollow's 3-D Kitty Angel » » |
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| 07/11/09 We're delighted to have a new collection of Harmony Hollow Bells in stock - ideal for celebrating housewarmings, retirement, birthdays, anniversaries, friendship, and a thoughtful way to say "thank-you". The collection also includes the ever-popular Remembrance Bell » » |
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 07/03/09Louise has been in total research-mode lately, revising her list of popular reference books from J.J. Cardinal's Library....adding over 65 titles to this website. One popular local book is Ted Black's Birds of Michigan. To see more, visit our "books" page » » |
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| June 2009 | 06/27/09 Our inventory of Harmony Hollow Bell Works was virtually sold out earlier this year - their popular Remembrance Bell was out of production. Worse yet, the maker essentially was incommunicado - we couldn't get any reliable news or replies to our queries. It seems as if Harmony Hollow was on the verge of going under.....sad news, but it appears they have reorganized, and re-tooled their product offerings. Slowly we're getting some of the new merchandise, like their new Wedding Chime » » |
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 06/23/09Meet Henry » » |
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 06/19/09Just the mere sight of a Portly statue or keykeeper generates a smile. New to our collection: Portly Bunny »» |
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 06/14/09From a local artist - a neat collection of stoneware vases, birdfeeders and decorative handing birdbaths » » |
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| May 2009 | 05/21/09 You may have seen a flyer in the store if you visited JJ's recently, titled 3/50 Project: Saving the Brick & Mortars our Nation is Built On. So what's that all about? We added more info about the the 3/50 Project at Louise's Notes...check it out » » |
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 05/20/09This spring we enjoyed a fun class where we made decorative, yet functional, hummingbird feeders! See the pictures in our photo-album » » |
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 05/16/09A customer asked: "don't you have covered suet feeders that hold more than one cake?" Hmmm...we did some research and we do now. Introducing the double-cake suet feeder...our 4th version of the beloved up-side-down suet feeders from Birds Choice® » » |
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 05/05/09It's fun getting photographs from our friends...and we proudly post them in our on-line photo-album when time permits. This spring we have added pictures of orioles and wood ducks. Quite timely, especially with our photo contest back in gear (see JJ Cardinal's Notebook, Vol. 18 - Issue 1, for details). |
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 05/01/09Our new memorial bell with oak leaf is becoming a popular remembrance gift » » 04/19/09 |
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 04/18/09We're in-the-news again! This week the nice folks at the Grand Blanc View, published a photostory featuring Joe Volker conducting a spring-break activity at JJ Cardinal's: "Building A Squirrel Feeder". See more » » |
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 04/09/09So you want to stop feeding the squirrels and black birds and grackles.....and you've learned that safflower seed is just the ticket to your happiness. Cool...safflower - we stock 2 varieties: bright white or NutraSaff™. We're selling tons, literally, of the stuff each month. And now we have a new feeder designed especially for offering safflower. More info » »
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| March 2009 | 03/23/09 JJ Cardinal's was "in-the-news" again this week - ABC TV 12 had a nice story on their news at noon broadcast....more info » » |
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 03/20/09Our sales of NutraSaff™ golden organic safflower continues to grow - largely because it is not appealing to most common squirrels. More info.... .pdf file » » .html file » » ...or click here to go to our "seed page" » » |
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| 03/12/09 The attractive collection of Holland Hill's solid copper bird feeders continues to grow - we've just received their new "flower pot stake feeder" ideal for hummingbirds. Just place a few near blooming flowers in your garden or planters and watch the activity! See more » » |
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 03/10/09The friendly folks at Aspects have been making quality bird feeding equipment and thermometers right here in the greater US of A since 1979...this month we received the latest and greatest new Aspect product...a cool green mesh-style niger (thistle) feeder. More Aspects Tube Feeder info » » Aspects hummingbird feeders » » |
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 03/05/09Protect your bird houses with these smart "portal protectors" by Erva Tool. Now available in brass and copper (as well as steel). Tough, attractive, smart » » |
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| February 2009 | 02/26/09 Our activities and programs at JJ Cardinal's have been popular this winter - check out our photo-album » » |
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 02/12/09We get excited when we discover new, domestically made products that incorporate innovations in (green) manufacturing with social consciousness like our new line of soy based candles from the Evergreen Candleworks » » |
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| 02/11/09 Our garden accents are both attractive and functional, like this cast-iron bird bath - several styles and sizes available » » |
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 02/10/09Looking for a little, rustic, table lamp with nature motif? How'd we know? (A little birdie may have something to do with it.) » » 02/09/09 |
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 02/08/09Mr. Bill in drag? » »
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 02/05/09Your hints, while subtle, were ignored. The holidays came and went and nobody gifted you that which you really wanted: a shiny new, quality bird feeder made by skilled American craftspeople. Well, we have something in-stock that won't send your budget into shock: a quality handmade, spun copper bird feeder from TM Hoff Handmade » » |
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| 02/04/09 Hey....turn this way....[whistle]. Yo....Mr. Bluebird, turn-around and face the camera! » » |
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 02/02/09Our assortment of bug observation containers continues to grow - good thing with spring getting closer each day. The new Bug Jar is a simple solution to the vexing question: "where can I stash this spider?" » » |
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| January 2009 |  01/27/09The Portly's - a collection of garden statues and "key-keepers" - the perfect way to add cheer to any garden setting » » |
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 01/25/09There are times when I know this sign needs to be posted at my house: "welcome to the nut house!" » » |
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| 01/24/09 We're getting set for hummer and oriole season with new ant motes - perfect for keeping insects out of your feeders » » |
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 01/23/09Louise & Joe recently attended "Birdwatch America" in Atlanta GA where they discovered many great new products that have begun arriving at our little shoppe. Like the Caged Suet feeder and Steel Squirrel Feeders from Erva Tool, below. You'll also find some really interesting projects and kits for those who wish to explore green technologies...like this swell, elementary Windmill Generator » » |
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 01/22/09This covered suet cage will allow small songbirds to feed while keeping critters and large birds out » »
01/20/09 |
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 01/16/09We just got a few new Birds Choice quality mesh feeders in-stock the other day. One is a super little feeder for just $16.95, and the other is a super BIG feeder for only $44.95 More info and pictures » » |
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 01/15/09The ultimate green squirrel munch box by Birds Choice made from recycled plastic » » |
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| 01/14/09 When the picture to the right was captured showing an emerging praying mantis...the little guy was about 5 minutes old. They grow amazingly fast and are natural bug eaters! And best yet: we have 'em back in-stock. More info » » |
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 01/10/09 Tic-toc - kitty clock...reminds us of the nursery rhyme: There's a neat little clock,-- In the schoolroom it stands,-- And it points to the time With its two little hands. And may we, like the clock, Keep a face clean and bright, With hands ever ready To do what is right. » » |
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 01/05/09What goes better with organic, natural honey than an original American-craft honey pot? ....more info » » |
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archives of "updates" from: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 | |
| J.J. Cardinal's Wild Bird & Nature Store ® |
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12830 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, MI 48439 810-695-8733 |
03/08/2010 illustrations, text & fun © LAD,
Inc. 1992-2010
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