Let’s Help Birds!

Why? There is no way to put a value on the joy that birds bring to us, the wonder that we experience when we see or hear them, the creativity fostered by their presence, and the fulfillment that they bring to our lives. Yet, many have recognized the economic value of the services that they provide for the natural world.

Birds act as pollinators. They provide pest control for both pesky insects and rodents, which helps to allow for better crop growth, protect our gardens, and decrease disease transmission. They also provide weed control. They disperse seeds. They scavenge carrion. They help to cycle nutrients. They transform the environment in ways that are beneficial to other species.

How?

• Birds need habitat: food, water, and shelter.
• Garden with native plants. Plant a diversity of native vegetation –flowers, shrubs, and trees.
• Check out the great resources in our Habitat Haven Program: laneaudubon.org/habitat-haven/
• Provide cover. Shrubs, brush piles, leaves, dead trees (snags) are great sources of shelter.
• Reduce or eliminate lawns. Leave some grassy areas unmowed.
• Leave some bare patches for ground-nesting solitary native bees.
• Provide food and fresh water. Feeders and bird baths are enjoyed by birds and by the people who get to watch them.
• Keep your bird feeders and water source clean. (Immerse feeders for a couple of minutes in a solution of one part household chlorine bleach to nine parts water, rinse well, then air dry.)
• Help keep birds safe and healthy.
• Don’t poison the birds and the food that they rely upon—avoid the use of chemical pesticides, rodenticides, and herbicides.
• Birds don’t see glass. Help prevent window collisions. Provide external screens. Parallel, vertical strings spaced 4 inches apart can be placed on the outside of windows. Use closely spaced decals on the outside of the window. FMI: flap.org/stop-birds-from-hitting-windows/
• Migrating birds are disoriented by artificial lighting. Shield outdoor lights and direct them downward. Use timers and motion sensors to reduce unnecessary light. Close curtains and blinds in the evenings. FMI:laneaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/lights_out_campaign.pdf
• Outdoor cats kill billions of birds each year. Allowing your cats to roam outdoors can significantly shorten their lives. Keep cats indoors for their health as well as the safety of native wildlife. FMI: humanesociety.org/resources/home-sweet-home-how-bring-outside-cat-indoors
• Spread the word: use lead-free ammunition. Birds of prey scavenge carcasses and are poisoned by lead shot. Water birds are poisoned by lead sinkers used for fishing.
• Don’t feed waterfowl. Despite good intentions, it increases transmission of disease, conflict, stress, and malnourishment. Especially, don’t feed them bread.

Consumer choices matter:

• Reduce use of plastics.
• Recycle, reduce, reuse.
• Your meal choices affect the overall health of the environment. Consume more plant-based meals. Buy local. Buy organic.
• Drink shade-grown/organic coffee to help improve habitat for migratory birds.

Bring your friends and family outside. Enjoy the color, sound, and splendor of birds!