It All Started One Summer Morning

In the summer of 2019, I sat on my porch, wrapped in a blanket with a cup of coffee, trying to quiet my mind during a difficult time. I decided to try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique to ease my anxiety—focusing on my senses. As I listened, I noticed birds singing and wondered what kinds they were. I downloaded a bird identification app and was instantly hooked. Birdwatching became my daily escape, bringing me peace without ever leaving home.

A few months later

I received binoculars for my birthday and a bird feeder for Christmas. My love for birdwatching grew, and as it did, I noticed my stress shrinking. It wasn’t just me—scientific articles began confirming that birdwatching really does bring happiness! But one part of the hobby was frustrating: birdseed. I just wanted to fill my feeders and have pretty birds come hang out in my yard, but the birdseed aisle at the store was overwhelming. The first few bags I bought barely attracted birds, left a mess in my yard, and were filled with junk seeds.

Then we took flight

In 2021, I started experimenting with my own birdseed blends right on my kitchen table. As I fine-tuned the mix, the activity in my yard exploded, drawing in both year-round residents and migratory visitors. Excited to share this experience with others, I decided to turn my passion into a business. From those early days in my kitchen, Happy Birdwatcher quickly grew, and we soon expanded to a warehouse in Dunlap, Tennessee.Today, we serve customers across 49 states and have been featured in The Washington Post, Forbes.com, Southern Living, and more! Happy Birdwatcher was born from a desire to bring the joy and peace of birdwatching to others, offering premium, customized birdseed without the hassle.

Susan Vandergriff, Founder of The Happy Birdwatcher Company

As a Registered Benefit Corporation,

we have a mission that goes beyond making a profit. Our passion for birds and people doesn’t stop with quality birdseed, we also think it is important to take care of the Earth and our mental health.
That’s why we are committed to the following:

  • Fostering environmental sustainability by using only plastic-free packaging
  • Supporting charities that serve those with mental health issues or addiction by donating $1 for every 10 lbs of birdseed sold
  • Furthering the public good by promoting mental health through the joy of birdwatching