The population of backyard birds in Canada and US has decreased by nearly 3 billion since 1970… that’s a huge loss of 1 in 4 birds.
This is an alarming number. Birds are the “canary in the mine”, more sensitive to the environment than humans and a signal of environmental problems. Birds act as pollinators, seed spreaders, predators (often eating bothersome insects) and prey for other animals in the wild. They are also beautiful to watch and their songs are part of the enjoyment of being outside.
Researchers tell us that there is no single reason for the decrease in bird populations, calling it “death by a thousand cuts”. The American Birding Conservancy cites pesticides, domestic cats, habitat loss, and collisions with glass as being the greatest causes of bird deaths.
What can we do?
Protection of habitat is often in the hands of lawmakers, but there is a lot we can do as individuals. Thousands of people making small changes can actually help. Here are some ideas to consider:
Windows – Six hundred thousand to 1 billion birds die after hitting windows in Canada and US. Birds can’t tell the difference between reflections of trees and sky, and the real thing. Lights in windows at night draw birds, especially in high-rise glass buildings, and simply turning off lights at night can make a difference. But homes and smaller buildings are a problem too. Almost half of birds that die from these collisions involve windows in homes. Here are some things you can do:
In a new construction, ask for bird-friendly glass.
Horizontal or vertical stripes, decals or a random design on windows can make a difference. These can be added using opaque or translucent tape, mesh on the outside of windows, or even tempera paint (non-toxic, long-lasting and easily removed with a damp cloth or sponge). If you’re artistically inclined, a seasonal design could be considered and stencils could be used to make this easy and fun.
Screens are usually enough to help birds avoid windows.
See some other ideas for quick and affordable ways to protect birds from your windows here.
Pesticides and herbicides – Avoid using these on your lawn.
Try natural treatments for weeds.
Household vinegar mixed with Epsom salts and a little dish soap can be used as a spray for weeds growing between walkway stones. Click here for an article about this.
Mulch around plants can prevent weeds from growing in the first place.
Good old hand weeding is good exercise and safe for the environment. Gardening gloves and a kneeling pad can make this more comfortable!
Try a lawn of thyme plants instead of grass. A few plants of low-growing thyme planted on a lawn will usually take over grass and weeds. It doesn’t need to be mowed as often as grass and has a pretty purple bloom in late summer. Be sure to choose the low-growing variety.
Cats – We love our cats, but dogs aren’t allowed to run loose in our neighbourhoods, and we shouldn’t let cats either. Keeping cats indoors or walking them on a leash, as you would a pet dog, could save many birds and help species recover. Alternatively, a bell around the cat’s neck could help alert birds to their presence in time to escape.
It’s interesting that populations of water birds are on the increase due to conservation measures that were started several years ago. It’s time to do the same for our common backyard birds, or we could be seeing quiet parks and forests in the future…
References: (click to see original articles)
Birds are dying off at an alarming rate – CNN
