About Northland Nature Nest

We are a locally owned wild bird feeding and nature specialist retail store. Our knowledgeable staff has over 40 years’ combined experience bird watching and feeding. We sell a variety of high quality wild bird feed, feeders/feeding systems, houses, and baths as well as whimsical nature-themed gifts. At Northland Nature Nest we believe in the importance of preserving and supporting local wildlife — and having fun at the same time. Birding is a beloved American pastime and we hope to keep it going through future generations!

Business History

As a young child, I was always fascinated with wildlife – birds, especially. I grew up in a small town, and we didn’t have computers then, so watching nature was my entertainment. Over the years, I bore many jobs that were dead-ends for me, because they didn’t fulfill a certain intangible need in me that had only grown since my childhood. I took my first step on the road to Northland Nature Nest when I finally came to understand that what I was missing in my professional life was a greater kinship with nature, and the opportunity to share that bond with others.

Therefore, I struck out in search for work of a more nature-centric kind, and found it in the form of a wild bird feeding franchise. I found a greater peace in myself and learned a great deal during those fifteen years, but I still yearned to take my passion to the next level. As it happened, I ran into a very special man who was willing to help me open my own store! Thus, Northland Nature Nest was (re-)born.

We opened our little Nest in 2016, and have been very happy with the response from the local community. We aim to be a special place to take you away from it all, if only for a short while. I feel our store has all the positive energy needed to bring you joy – not only here in the store but out in your own backyard, watching the beauty that nature has given us. Here at our Nest, we take pride in quality items, as well as our promise that you are getting the best there is.

I am also enthusiastic about local items that people bring to me. I absolutely love when customers bring in their handmade items, such as birdhouses, feeders, and other nature-themed gifts. The hard work is apparent, and it is my honor to be able to offer such talented works in my store.

All that being said, we here at the Nest look forward to meeting each new person who comes in to join our family. We love to hear your birding stories and view your pictures. We are also all about educating and problem-solving any issues keeping you from enjoying this amazing hobby. My name is Laurie—a.k.a. The Bird Lady—and this was my journey: Thank you for taking the time to walk it with me.

Meet our Team

JERUD JACKSON

My background is not in wildlife, but in business. As an entrepreneur, I am always looking for exciting and different new businesses to get involved with. I have really enjoyed owning and working in the store. It’s a nice place to sit, relax, and listen to the water fall — maybe even have glass of wine. I am looking forward to expanding my birding experience as well as meeting longstanding–and new–customers.
I live on a lake in Rockford and have two school-aged kids. I have also been coaching Football since 1998. Happy birding!

LAURIE TIEMAN

Bird-watching has been a passion of mine from a very early age. It has such a calming effect when I take the time to sit and watch. I have been in the wild bird business for over 15 years; I love what I do because of the pleasure it brings to myself and the customers I’ve come to know. My goal at Northland Nature Nest is to help sustain and increase enjoyment in birding for all those who pass through our doors. It’s a wonderful hobby for people of all ages!