I want everything on QTBird.com to be useful, accurate, and trustworthy. Here’s how I create content, how the community works, and what you can expect from me.
Who I Am
QTBird.com is written and run by Sara Noel. I’ve been writing about home, gardens, birds, nature, and frugality for about 25 years. You can learn more about me on my About page.
Community Guidelines
Join the conversation through article comments, recipe reviews, the new QTBird forums, and my Instagram. I keep an eye on comments, reviews, and forum posts. Constructive feedback is always welcome; rude, hurtful, or spammy posts will be removed. A few guidelines:
- Be kind. Every question is welcome, from first-time gardeners to lifelong birders. Disagree respectfully; no personal attacks, bullying, or harassment.
- Keep it family-friendly. Hateful, threatening, discriminatory, or explicit posts will be removed.
- Stay on topic. Post in the forum that fits best, and please leave political and religious debates for other spaces.
- Share helpful, accurate advice. Link to sources when you can. Advice here comes from fellow hobbyists, so check with an expert on anything involving health, safety, pets, or pesticides.
- Respect wildlife. Don’t disturb nesting birds or animals for a photo, and don’t post exact locations of nests, rare species, or sensitive habitats.
- Make reviews helpful. Honest reviews are welcome. Share what worked, what didn’t, and any changes you made.
- Share your own photos and words, or give clear credit when sharing someone else’s (see my Copyright Policy).
- No spam or selling. Please don’t advertise, promote your business, post affiliate links, or ask for money.
- Protect your privacy. Never post personal details like addresses or phone numbers, yours or anyone else’s.
Posts that break these guidelines may be edited or removed, and repeat offenders may be suspended or banned. If you see a problem, please report it or let me know through my contact form. For full community policies, see my Terms of Service and Child Safety Policy.
Fact Checking
I research every article using qualified sources and double-check the facts, figures, and details before publishing. I also try to give enough background so you understand not just what to do, but why. If something doesn’t turn out right for you, please let me know.
Sourcing
I rely on current, reputable sources such as experts, government agencies, university extension services, and professional and academic organizations. Every fact and claim I share is supported by at least one trustworthy source, and I link to them when I can. Much of what I share also comes from my own experience in my home and garden here in Michigan.
Keeping Content Current
I review existing content for updated information, so it reflects what’s currently accurate. The date on each post shows when it was last updated.
Corrections
If I get something wrong, I’ll fix it quickly. Corrections that change the facts of a post will be clearly noted, along with what changed and when. Small edits for clarity or readability may be made without a note. Spotted an error? Let me know through my contact form.
Photos
Most of the photos on this site are my own. I may edit them for lighting and color or to clean up small distractions. Some posts also include licensed stock photos, which I credit when required.
Independence and Transparency
My opinions are my own, and advertisers don’t influence what I write or recommend. Ads and editorial content are kept separate, and anything created with or paid for by a brand is clearly labeled as Sponsored. I don’t give special treatment to any company or website because of a personal or business relationship, and I’ll always disclose anything that could be a conflict of interest.
Product Reviews and Recommendations
My product reviews are independent and based on my own research or hands-on use. I share things I genuinely love and think you will too. Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something, at no extra cost to you. That never affects what I choose to feature.
Get in Touch
Have a question I didn’t cover here? I’d love to hear from you through my contact form.