Nestled in the heart of Sturbridge, The Bird Store and More is more than just a shop—it’s a sanctuary for nature lovers and a testament to the hard work of its owners, Bill and Nancy Cormier. Since opening their doors in 1993, the Cormiers have woven their passion for the outdoors into every aspect of the store, creating a vibrant hub for bird enthusiasts and nature admirers. We sat down with the Cormiers to learn more about the story behind the store and discover why it should be part of your next visit.
Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind The Bird Store and More and how it came to be?
A: Enjoyment of nature and the outdoors has always been the driving force behind our business. We began our journey in 1993 with a small shop in the 538 Main Street complex. Our vision grew as we purchased a burned-out building at 4 Cedar Street, demolished it, and built our current location in 1997. Over the years we added the outdoor space, Secret Garden and the whimsical garden shed which houses the Largest Cuckoo Clock in New England.
Q: For those planning to visit Sturbridge, why should the Bird Store and More be on their must-visit list?
A: A trip to Sturbridge is not complete without visiting The Bird Store and More. Adults and kids alike will find something special here. Whether it’s looking for the queen in the observation beehive, visiting with our store mascot, Marshmallow the cockatiel, enjoying nature or searching for the geocache in the Secret Garden. If you are shopping for a new bird feeder, birdhouse, wind chime or one of our many assorted gift ideas, you can find it here.
Q: What is your mission?
Bringing the best of nature into your backyard.
Q: What does being a part of the Sturbridge community mean to you?
We have seen a lot of changes in the last 31 years. The people, both local and visitors, are what make it all worthwhile. They are family to us, and we are blessed to be part of it.
Q: What are your favorite places to visit or things to do in Sturbridge when you’re not at the store?
Some of our favorite places to visit are the local Trek Sturbridge trails, and Rail Trails for both bicycling, hiking and birdwatching.
Click here to learn more about The Bird Store and More and to start planning your next visit.