Living in Harmony With Birds

From bird feeders to nesting spots—transform your yard into a sanctuary for wild birds!

If you love birds, there are many wetland nesting areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and arboretums where they can be seen and enjoyed in their own natural habitats. Want an experience closer to home? Consider modifying your own back yard and making it more attractive to wild birds—then watch their antics from the comfort of your living room!

There are three basic requirements for creating a backyard habitat for wild birds: safety, a healthy and reliable supply of food and water, and an appealing habitat.

Safety First!

Domestic cats must be kept indoors.
Never use toxic herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides.
Place stickers or screens on large windows in order to minimize the risk of mid-flight collisions.

Learn to Eat Like a Bird!

Natural-food sources work best. Try seeds or millet that have not been chemically treated.
Peanuts, peanut butter mixed with cornmeal, and small pieces of rehydrated dried fruits are great high-energy winter treats.
Make sure that a fresh, clean water source is always available.

Home ‘Tweet’ Home

Provide safe shelter and nesting sites.
Add nesting boxes, bird feeders, and bird baths.
Plant native seed-producing plants such as sunflowers.

There are many books and online guides available to help you design a backyard bird habitat, but you can start by not mowing your lawn. Unmowed grasses, dandelions, and other wild plants will create living space for insects and produce seeds, providing two important food sources for wild birds. What you plant and which types of bird houses and nesting shelters you construct will determine what varieties of birds will visit your yard. Once you observe and appreciate wild birds’ exuberance and mentality, the sight of a captive bird in a tiny cage will always remind you that birds should fly free.

You can improve the lives of dogs and cats suffering from cruelty and neglect.

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