Support Birds Do’s and Don’ts

Since 1970, the North American bird population has experienced a significant decline, with nearly 3 billion breeding adults lost, representing a 29 percent decrease over the past fifty years.

One of the primary drivers of this decline is habitat loss. Over the last five decades, vital habitats such as woodlands, grasslands, and coastal areas, which are essential for bird survival, have been extensively transformed into urban developments, industrial agricultural lands, and commercial spaces. This transformation has resulted in the loss of nesting sites and a decrease in insect populations that birds depend on for sustenance. Additionally, native plant communities, which once supported bird populations, have been largely replaced by lawns and paved surfaces.

However, there is hope. By restoring habitats in urban, suburban, and rural settings, including our own yards and gardens, we can help to reverse the decline of many bird species.

When Support Birds Do:

1. Boost Window visibility

Windows pose a significant threat to bird populations, with an estimated 599 million birds dying annually in the U.S. due to collisions. While large skyscrapers are often perceived as the primary danger, the high prevalence of smaller, single-family homes accounts for nearly half of these fatalities. The issue is twofold: at night, illuminated windows attract migrating birds, leading to fatal collisions, while during the day, windows reflect surrounding foliage or sky, causing birds to mistakenly fly into them. Homeowners can mitigate this risk by turning off lights at night and employing strategies such as window tape or "zen curtains" to reduce daytime collisions.

2. Share What You See

The extinction of the Passenger Pigeon, once the world's most abundant bird, highlights the urgent need for monitoring bird populations. Tracking the health of the world's 10,000 bird species is a daunting task that requires widespread participation. Scientists rely on data from thousands of observers reporting bird sightings in various locations, from backyards to wild habitats. This collective effort is crucial for providing timely information to identify and address global bird population declines.We can use a smart bird house with a camera to observe birds anytime and anywhere at our home.Then, we post what we see on related websites, aiming to provide enough information for scientists.

3. Local Plants

Cultivating native plants is among the most effective strategies for bird conservation. Trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that have coevolved with local bird species provide optimal food sources and shelter. Furthermore, because these plants are naturally adapted to the local environment, they typically require less maintenance, allowing more time to observe and enjoy birdlife.

When Support Birds Don’t:

1. Don’t put bird feeders too close to your home

The position of bird feeders plays a crucial role in providing essential energy for long-distance migratory birds, yet it can also inadvertently increase the risk of fatal collisions with windows. To minimize this danger while allowing birds to safely replenish their energy, it is recommended to position feeders within 3 feet of your home. This proximity reduces the likelihood of birds gaining sufficient speed to result in harmful impacts.

2. Don‘t  Allow Cats To Stay Courtyard

While we cherish our pets, it is important to acknowledge that outdoor cats pose a significant threat to bird populations. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, outdoor cats are responsible for the deaths of approximately 2.4 billion wild birds annually in the United States. Keeping cats indoors is a simple yet effective measure to protect avian species while also ensuring the safety of our feline companions.

3. Don’t Invest A Lot Of  Effort On Courtyard

A simple yet effective way to support bird populations is by reducing the intensity of yard maintenance. Leaving leaves unraked enriches the soil and creates habitats for insects and birds to forage. Allowing plants with withered flowers to remain standing provides a valuable source of seeds and insect larvae. Additionally, fallen branches can be repurposed as nesting material and can be piled up to create a brush pile, offering birds much-needed shelter.

Supporting birds at home is a meaningful and impactful way to contribute to conservation efforts. Simple actions like planting native species, reducing yard maintenance, and creating safe spaces for birds—such as properly placing feeders and keeping cats indoors—can make a significant difference. By making small changes in our own yards and gardens, we can provide essential resources for birds, helping to protect them and ensure their survival. Every little effort counts, and collectively, we can create a more bird-friendly environment right outside our doors.