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Birds & supplies
Meet passionate keepers and explore birds, thoughtful care advice, foods, cages, toys and supplies.
Our story
A passion that found its wings—and its water.
My journey into the world of pets began with the magnificent colors, intelligence and unforgettable personalities of macaws. For years, breeding and caring for these extraordinary birds was one of my greatest passions. As my family grew and life became busier, however, I had to step away from breeding. The aviaries became quieter—but my love for animals never truly left me.
A few years later, that passion found its way back through an entirely different world: aquariums. The first time I truly noticed Discus, I was captivated. Watching those graceful fish glide through the water felt like discovering living art. Curiosity became fascination, fascination became dedication, and before long I was once again raising and breeding animals—this time beneath the water.
Birds had given me wings. Discus brought me serenity. Together, they shaped the path that eventually led to Wings, Water & Wonders.
Pet swaps were always special to me. I attended as a visitor, a hobbyist and later as a vendor. Every swap offered something even the busiest pet store cannot easily provide: time to meet people face-to-face, exchange knowledge, discover something unexpected and form friendships with others who share the same passion.
After years of visiting and vending at swaps, I often wondered why Schaumburg—so close to my home in Arlington Heights and surrounded by such a diverse community of animal lovers—did not have an event bringing the bird and aquarium worlds together.
In 2026, that dream became a reality. Friends who shared the same vision stood shoulder to shoulder with me, and some went far beyond anything I could have asked to bring it to life. I will always be grateful for their friendship, encouragement and belief.
On August 23, 2026, we welcomed the community to our first Wings, Water & Wonders Swap. To every vendor who believed in a new event, every person who arrived early to help, and everyone who stayed until the final cage was moved and every last seed was swept from the floor—thank you.
Most of all, thank you to every family, aquarium keeper, bird lover, breeder and curious visitor who walked through our doors. The smiles, conversations, friendships and gasps of excitement made every hour worthwhile.
Wings, Water & Wonders was born from that belief—and this is only the beginning.
— Al