For the Love of Birds

 

    I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy watching birds fly overhead or perch on their birdfeeders. Lots of people from all walks of life put out birdfeeders, nesting boxes, and birdbaths to invite these feathered friends into their yards. True, birds can be a nuisance. We all grumble about bird poop on our cars, and I'll never forget the time I started out on a walk, then had to run home and wash bird poop out of my hair. But those are small inconveniences compared to the joy of seeing goldfinches, nuthatches, and woodpeckers feeding from the seeds and suet we put out for them. 

    We can build bridges of oneness with birds, because people from every culture and background love them. Most of us recognize the ways that birds benefit us and the environment. Birds spread seeds, pollinate plants, and control pests. They reduce weeds and fertilize the soil. You can read more about the benefits of birds here: Benefits of Birds. 

    We should all be concerned about the decimation of the bird population. In North America alone, there are about 3 billion fewer birds than there were in 1970. Almost 1,500 bird species are threatened with extinction across the world. Over 100 species have gone extinct in recent centuries.

    There are numerous reasons for the decrease in bird species. One of the biggest reasons is loss of habitat. Habitat loss occurs when land is converted for agriculture, development, resource extraction, and other uses. We can create habitat for birds in our own yards by reducing our lawns and planting the native trees, shrubs, and plants that provide the berries, insects, and pollen that birds need. Bird feeders are great, but birds need other food sources.  Baby birds, especially, require insects and caterpillars for protein and nourishment. Caterpillars: It's What's for Dinner.

    If you use pesticides on your lawn or garden you may be contributing to the demise of birds. First of all, the birds need insects for their diet. And second, some of these chemicals, such as neonicotinoids are toxic to birds as well as to insects.

    Free-roaming cats are responsible for 2.4 billion bird deaths in the United States each year. Please keep your cats indoors to save the birds!

    Learn more here about how to save the birds: American Bird Conservation

    This spring I am going to plant a native serviceberry tree and some native shrubs and plants to help feed the birds. What are your plans for saving the birds?