1 ) Make windows bird-safe : Birds becoming injured or dying from flying into glass windows is a larger problem than you would think . Help birds recognize the glass in your windows by breaking up with the reflective surface of your windows on the outside with decals , paint , screens , or even by cleaning them less often .
2 ) Try to keep cats indoors : Predation by cats is the top cause of bird population decline aside from habitat loss . While cats , as predators , are just engaging in natural behaviors , we can help protect birds by keeping pet cats indoors and support the humane control of feral cat populations through measures like the Louisiana SPCA ’ s Trap-Neuter-Return program . TNR programs help our feline friends too by limiting breeding and the spread of disease . You can learn more on the Louisiana ASPCA website at www . louisianaspca . org / clinic / tnr .
Though the decline in bird populations is a huge cause for concern , the good news is that there is plenty we can do to protect birds and their many positive impacts on our lives . While human actions may be the driving force behind the problem , they can also be the solution . Conservationists have successfully brought critically endangered bird species like the bald eagle , the whooping crane and the California condor back from the brink of extinction . Some of these actions — including wildlife management , endangered species breeding , population management , regulation of environmental hazards , and legislation protecting wildlife and their habitats — need to be carried out by conservation organizations or governmental agencies . However , there are many ways in which individuals can help both through advocating for wildlife and supporting those efforts , but also through direct action like habitat restoration and purchasing birdfriendly products .
A group of bird conservation organizations have launched the # BringBackBirds campaign , which includes seven simple actions you can take to help birds . You can learn more about these ways to help at www . 3billionbirds . org .
3 ) Reduce lawn and plant native species : The prevalence of grass lawns in residential areas severely limits the amount of habitat available to native birds and resting places for migratory birds . Help birds and reduce the amount of time you have to spend mowing grass by planting native trees , bushes , and flowering plants in your yard instead of grass . You can go a step further and attract birds to your yard by putting out birdhouses , feeders and baths .
4 ) Avoid pesticides : Chemical pesticides harm or kill birds through contact or through ingestion from the food they eat and water they drink . They also reduce insects as a food source for birds and can be toxic to humans . Don ’ t use pesticides in your lawn and garden , and purchase organic produce grown without pesticides to help birds .
5 ) Drink bird-friendly coffee : Sun-grown coffee destroys bird habitats , but there are plenty of delicious shade-grown alternatives that are bird-friendly . Look for coffee labeled as certified Bird Friendly ® by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and encourage your local grocery store and coffee shops to stock it .
6 ) Reduce and reuse plastics : The list of species and habitats you can help by reducing your use of plastics is endless . Plastic pollution is a huge problem for wildlife and humans , and the best way to combat is to avoid using plastic products as much as possible ( especially single-use plastics ) and to find ways to reuse them rather than disposing of them . While recycling is
6 Life Unleashed