Did you know that bird populations have dropped by almost 3 billion since 1970? It’s true. I’ve been reading about the strategies and issues with bird conservation and that fact very much surprised me. Given that number, I’m honestly surprised that I’ve seen so many amazing birds during my time here. I’ve seen so many birds that I’ve never seen before, like scarlet tanagers, baltimore orioles, and a few nifty species of warbler. I’ve also seen some amazing water birds, like the lanky great blue herons that like to strut about in the cove, or the magnificent eagles that soar above the treetops. These fascinating creatures hold such a dear place in my heart, but they also have very important roles in the ecosystem, which is why it’s so important to work to protect them. “What can I do?” you may ask yourself, and this is a valid question. Sometimes when you’re faced with a difficult and arduous task you find it impossible to find a good starting point. Fear not, for there are a few simple things I have learned that are very very effective and conserving the wildlife around us that we love.
Consider keeping cats indoors! I know it seems sad to keep a beautiful stalking predator indoors and relegate them to a house-bound life, but it is honestly one of the best strategies for limiting negative impacts on wildlife. Did you know that cats kill over 2.6 billion birds annually in North America? By keeping them inside, you can safely hang bird feeders and birdhouses around your home to better enjoy these pretty flying things!
Bird-proof those windows! Another major cause of injury for wild birds is collisions with windows, especially on large buildings or large reflective windows. Since these windows reflect what’s on the outside, these birds sometimes can’t see them at all and will crash at full speed, which usually results in injury. There are a few ways to break up the reflections and make windows more visible to wildlife without obstructing your own view, and I encourage you to look into these strategies.
Promote native plants! Local birds have evolved over millions of years to thrive in harmony with a balanced native ecosystem. When we tear down forests and native shrubs and flowers, we are taking away their homes and they can’t adapt to living in a clear-cut, monocropped field of grass.
Spread the word! A lot of very important bird species go by the wayside simply because they don't have the pull or charisma of larger species like the bald eagle. The more we talk about the birds we see, the more people learn about the issues surrounding them and the more people will hopefully be able to start doing what they can to protect them!
I know that is a lot to digest all at once, so I encourage you to do more research! 3 Billion Birds is an incredible resource for more information on the tips above as well as further information about the work that is going on in the field of avian conservation. If you have any questions for an enthusiastic (amateur) ornithologist, you can always contact Noah at the SLA! He (me) loves answering questions and teaching people about what he loves!
Noah is a half-year member serving with the Squam Lakes Association. Learn more about this amateur ornithologist here!