I love listening to and watching the birds that come and visit my yard. If you want to attract more birds, as well as do your part to conserve dwindling wild bird populations, read these tips offered by Partners in Flight.
And if you don't get past this intro, at least stop using chemical pesticides on your lawn--each year, 4 million tons of pesticides are applied in the U.S. exposing 672 million birds to the harmful effects of these chemicals. One-tenth of those exposed, or 67 million birds, are estimated to die as an immediate result!
Create a Backyard Habitat
Provide food. Provide plenty of natural food by planting native plants that bear small berries or that support ample insect populations. A bird feeder is also useful, but be sure to position feeders to avoid deadly window collisions.
Plant shelter. Birds require dense cover like shrubs and evergreen trees, especially in winter. As always, native plants work best.
Furnish water. Commercial bird baths, small pools and natural ponds are surefire ways to attract birds, especially if water is dripping or moving.
Supply nest sites. Put up a birdhouse for cavity-nesting birds like chickadees and wrens, and platforms for robins and barn swallows.
Think Before You Spray!
Each year, 4 million tons of pesticides are applied in the U.S. exposing 672 million birds to the harmful effects of these chemicals. One-tenth of those exposed, or 67 million birds are estimated to die as an immediate result. Read this post about alternatives to pesticide use.
Be a Responsible Cat Owner
Biologists estimate that free-ranging cats kill hundreds of millions of birds each year. Remember, cats need care all their lives. Keep only as many cats as you can manage. If you don't want your cat anymore, do not release it into a rural area. Contact your local animal shelter or welfare organization instead. Keep your cat indoors whenever possible--it's safer for your pet and wildlife. Spay or neuter your cat. There are millions of kittens and cats that need homes and human care. Locate bird feeders away from heavy cover so cats cannot surprise unsuspecting birds.
Buy Shade-grown Coffee
You can help conserve vital rainforest habitat and protect more than 150 forest-dependent migratory bird species just by drinking shade-grown coffee.
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