A Local Resource: Wild Birds Unlimited of Dripping Springs

When it comes to supporting birds – whether on a backyard scale or across larger acreage – having the right tools and guidance makes all the difference. The locally owned…

A yellow-breasted chat perches in a mesquite tree near Dripping Springs, TX.

When it comes to supporting birds – whether on a backyard scale or across larger acreage – having the right tools and guidance makes all the difference.

The locally owned Wild Birds Unlimited of Dripping Springs is just that  – a trusted local resource for:

  • High-quality bird feeders and bird seed and food
  • Expert staff who provide tailored recommendations for Central Texas landscapes
  • Bat boxes and pollinator and habitat-supporting products that extend beyond birds
  • Beautiful, thoughtfully curated gifts for nature lovers
  • Classes and hands-on experiences that help landowners and residents better understand and support local wildlife

Owners, Amanda and Hector are also actively involved in the local conservation community, and Amanda serves as a founding member of the Dripping Springs Birding Club helping to foster a deeper connection between the people of the Texas Hill Country and the natural landscapes of our region.

You will also often find them bringing nature educational resources to the local schools, and offering hands-on experiences to youth and their families through the Dripping Springs area.

A Shared Commitment to Bird Conservation

This partnership is rooted in more than just aligned services – it’s built on shared community efforts and belief that we can all do our part to support and preserve wildlife habitat.

Amanda and Hector, and the Lupine team have a long-standing connection, from growing up in the same communities (Dripping Springs for Amanda and Hope, and the Permian Basin, Midland-Odessa area for Hector and Chance) to working together on the committee that helped The City of Dripping Springs earn its designation as a Bird City Texas.

Wildbirds Unlimited owners and Lupine Land Services owners, Amanda and Hector Bustillos, and Hope and Chance Boatright.
Wildbirds Unlimited owners and Lupine Land Services owners, Amanda and Hector Bustillos, and Hope and Chance Boatright

That work reflects a broader commitment: supporting birds not just as individuals, but as a community.

It’s that same mindset that continues today – helping landowners make decisions that benefit both wildlife and the long-term health of their land.

Practical Ways to Support Birds on Your Property

Whether you’re managing a few acres or a larger ranch, there are simple, effective ways to support bird populations:

1. Provide Consistent Food Sources

Supplemental feeding can support birds during periods of stress, migration, or seasonal change. Using high-quality feeders and food helps ensure reliability and reduces waste.

2. Improve Native Habitat

Native grasses, shrubs, and trees provide cover, nesting sites, and natural food sources. Habitat diversity is key to supporting a wide range of species. Make sure to checkout the WBU’s selection of native plant seeds from Native American Seed.

3. Add Water Features

Clean, reliable water sources are often overlooked but critical, especially during Texas summers. WBU offers gorgeous bird baths and water sources that provide necessary hydrations throughout the seasons.

4. Manage for Structure

Birds rely on layered habitat: ground cover, mid-story shrubs, and canopy trees. Thoughtful land management helps create this structure. Adding bird nesting boxes in conjunction with trees and shrubs creates a multi-layered habitat that provides food, shelter, and security, significantly increasing the likelihood of attracting breeding birds.

Trees and shrubs offer protection from predators and elements, while boxes fulfill the specialized needs of cavity-nesting species like bluebirds, wrens, and chickadees.

How This Fits Into Wildlife Management

For landowners working toward or maintaining a wildlife tax exemption, bird-focused practices can contribute to:

  • Habitat control and improvement
  • Supplemental food and water
  • Census counts (bird surveys)
  • Ongoing wildlife monitoring

At Lupine Land Services, we help landowners integrate these practices into a cohesive wildlife management plan that meets county requirements while improving the land itself.

Building a Better Landscape for Birds – and People

Supporting birds doesn’t require a full-scale restoration project. It starts with small, intentional decisions – and the right partners.

Through collaboration with Wild Birds Unlimited of Dripping Springs, we’re able to connect landowners with the tools, knowledge, and local support needed to make a real impact.

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