A New Nest Success

On July 7th, 2021, Chirp celebrated the move to a new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. Over 60 people joined in the fun, leaving owners Randy Putz and Beth Wheat overwhelmed with gratitude. Chirp customers, Big Bear Lake City Council members, Chamber of Commerce members, and field representatives for State and Federal lawmakers all attended Chirp’s milestone celebration. And, what a milestone it was! 

Chamber Executive Director Ellen Clarke, Mayor Pro Tem Rick Herrick, and owners Randy Putz and Beth Wheat cut the red ribbon.

From Pop-up to Booming Business

“Chirp Nature Center began as an experiment 3 years ago with a single pop-up tent at the local Farmer’s Market,” Randy explained, “With a handful of feeders and bags of bird seed we thought, wouldn’t it be something if we could connect people to nature using birds as inspiration? So we did.” Over time, Chirp grew into a small retail store and now into its own upgraded nest located at 578 Bonanza Trail, in Big Bear Lake’s West Village.

Big Bear Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Ellen Clarke, stated Chirp has been “a vital part of the Village retail establishment. Randy has taken a concept that really had a lot of legs … or wings as the case may be… and he has turned it into a successful business.”  

Shannon Dunkle, representative for Congressman Jay Obernolte, congratulates Randy and Beth on their “new nest.”

During the ceremony, Chirp also received certificates of recognition from Congressman Obernolte, Senator Ochoa Bogh, and Assemblymember Smith. Senator Ochoa Bogh’s representative, Sarah Green, shared, “This opportunity to uplift the local economy and also small businesses, is always a great thing to do…Congratulations Chirp.” 

State and Federal lawmakers gave certificates of recognition to Chirp Nature Center.

Full Feeders, Full hearts

Throughout the event, Randy and Beth recognized the instrumental part Chirp’s loyal customers played in the success of Chirp. “We are very grateful for all of your support as we have gone through this process…it really is great to be here.” 

Loyal customers, community members and government officials all gather to celebrate Chirp
Loyal customers, community members, and government officials all gather to celebrate Chirp.

Three years later, filling bird feeders, hosting birding events and connecting people to nature are still fulfilling efforts for Chirp’s staff. “It’s a lot of fun for us,” Randy admitted. “It’s very gratifying.”

Fly by Chirp's new nest on 578 Bonanza Trail, in Big Bear Lake's West Village near the Bowling Barn.
Fly by Chirp’s new nest on 578 Bonanza Trail, in Big Bear Lake’s West Village near the Bowling Barn

Chirp encourages nature lovers to fly by the new nest. Explore the expanded “Feeder Forest” and test premium bird watching optics. Choose from a wide variety of high-quality wild bird feed. And, be sure to browse a growing selection of nature-themed gifts, educational books, and local guides.