The Backyard Birdfeeder has migrated back to Potomac Village, settling next to Potomac Grocer after nearly three decades away. Once a fixture near the one-lane bridge, then a long stretch at Sangamore Road, the beloved shop has finally come home to River Road.

For locals, this isn’t just another store reopening. It’s the return of a community hub where backyard wildlife management is treated with the same seriousness as travel soccer schedules and kitchen renovations. Think of it as reclaiming your favorite table at Le Diplomate, except the conversation revolves around baffles and seed mixes rather than Burgundy pairings.

The store is helmed by Brad Schmonsees, a River Falls native and Eagle Scout, who has been guiding bird enthusiasts for decades. His consultations feel like a mix of garden coaching and wildlife therapy. Newcomers often arrive saying only, “I want bird seed.” They leave with a tailored feeding plan, complete with squirrel strategy and seed preferences suited to their yards.

Backyard Birdfeeder’s mixes are anything but “hardware store seed.” Their shell-free blends keep patios tidy while attracting more birds. Staples include sunflower, peanuts, and millet, but the options extend to:

As Brad puts it, “Once people switch to shell-free, they never go back.” It’s the bird world’s equivalent of discovering a well-stocked wine cellar.

Yes, they sell bird houses, though many customers confuse them with feeders. True houses mimic tree cavities and provide nesting spots from April through September. Designs vary by entrance size, since birds instinctively choose the smallest opening they can squeeze through.

Some models convert to roosting boxes for winter shelter. Families can pick up DIY kits for kids, though Brad advises skipping the paint. Flaking color may look whimsical, but it’s unsafe for future tenants.

For those who prefer their wildlife with a side of Wi-Fi, the shop stocks Bird Buddy smart feeders, which snap photos and videos of visiting cardinals and send them to your phone.

Brad admits he once scoffed at the idea, but Potomac’s Instagram feeds tell a different story. Best of all, the store provides hands-on support for setup which is something you won’t get from an Amazon knockoff.

In Potomac, squirrel management is practically a competitive sport. Brad breaks it down into three solutions:

It’s the perfect blend of science, design, and suburban diplomacy.

In a thoughtful twist, the store also carries Smithsonian-certified Bird Friendly coffee roasted by Chesapeake Coffee Roasters. Shade-grown under rainforest canopies, it preserves migratory bird habitat while delivering rich, organic flavor.

Even Brad, not a coffee drinker, admits the aroma is irresistible. For customers, it’s a chance to support conservation while savoring their morning ritual.

The Backyard Birdfeeder’s return is about more than bird seed. It represents a vote for local expertise over faceless algorithms, for fresh products over stale warehouse stock, and for the joy of watching nature at your window without the clutter of streaming subscriptions.

As Brad sums it up: “We love bird feeding. We love birds, and we love people, and we love getting people set up.” In Potomac, where getting set up properly is practically a way of life, that ethos feels just right.

Visit them next to Potomac Grocer in Potomac Village.
Open seven days a week, closed major holidays.