Meet Our Owners
Bill Fenimore opened the Wild Bird Center of Layton, UT in October 2001. Since then, Bill’s passion for birds has made him a national figure and author with a series of birding guidebooks and numerous awards from such organizations as the International Franchise Association and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Bill has expanded his business and has now brought in his son, Billy, to help with the business so he can pursue his public awareness mission full-time. Asked about his experience, Bill says:
“While contemplating how to spend my retirement years, I converted my favorite hobby into a business. The moment I visited a Wild Bird Center store, I knew I wanted to be part of the group. Years later, I am still very grateful to be part of this wonderful community.”
Operation Migration
Founded in 1994 and 1998 in Canada and in the US respectively, Operation Migration's primary mission is the safeguarding of threatened and endangered migratory species from extinction.
After almost a decade of research and experimentation, Operation Migration took on the lead role in a landmark reintroduction project with the endangered Whooping crane. Each fall since 2001, Operation Migration's pilots have led a cohort of captive-hatched and reared Whooping cranes, imprinted to follow their surrogate parent - an ultralight aircraft, along a primeval migration route between Wisconsin and Florida.
With more than sixty migratory Whooping cranes added to the wild population in just five years, this reintroduction project has surpassed all expectations. Scientists and biologists predict that if current success and survival rates are sustained, it is possible that in just five more years this magnificent bird could be considered for removal from the endangered species list.
Operation Migration is solely responsible for raising its own funds, and solicits grants, corporate donations, and individual contributions to finance its work. Operation Migration is proud to play a role in the restoration of this highly imperilled species to its historic range in eastern North America, and invites and encourages individuals, business, and foundations to become a part of what has been described as, "The wildlife equivalent of putting a man on the moon."