Bird Watchers

Bird Watchers in North American and Conservation

Birding and conservation are inextricably linked; dedicated bird watchers understand the necessity of preserving or even restoring friendly habitats for bird species in their area, as well as the necessity of being as unseen, unheard, and unobtrusive as possible. Does that mean we shouldn't venture into the woods or the park or take a birding vacation to Ecuador? Absolutely not. We should take care to be quiet and respectful, but the woods are for wildlife, and we, for better or worse, are part of that wildlife. And birding, beside from being an enjoyable pursuit, actually helps birds in innumerable ways. There are no bigger proponents of conservancy than birders themselves. How can you reduce your impact and help conservation efforts?

The first step is to just be aware of where you are and what you are doing. Many bird species are easily susceptible to stress, and there is nothing more stressful than a potential predator. To reduce the impact of your birding, simply respect their habitats. Most birders observe this golden rule and try to be unobtrusive and to leave nothing of themselves behind.

We do what we can to ensure that we are not harming the birds we love to watch. And what can we do? If you have a big glass door, consider putting a decal or some type of hanging ornament on it so the bird recognizes that it is not open air space through which it can fly? That is not changing or altering the environment. It is simply reducing our impact on it.

Another area in which we do impact the bird environment is pet ownership. If each outdoor cat kills just one bird a day, then millions of birds every day are losing their lives. There are more than 90 million pet cats in the United States alone, and the majority spend at least some time outside. Cats are natural predators, and they hunt birds. However, because we feed them and they are domesticated, this behavior is not necessary for their survival or for the balance of the food chain. The American Bird Conservancy can help you find ways to make your outdoor cat a happy and healthy indoor cat.

Many of the issues that impact the habitat of North America's bird species seem to be out of our control: a big cause in millions of bird deaths per year is collisions with man-made structures like buildings, towers, and power lines, particularly at night. According to the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) between five and 50 million birds are killed each year in such collisions, and one of the big reasons is that they are attracted to the lights. Why not just turn off the lights? If the towers are over 199 feet, they must be lit so aircraft can see them. ABC suggests ways to keep both towers and reduce bird deaths, as well as specific suggestions as to what you can do. The same is true of other threats to birds, including pesticides, fisheries, toxins, invasive species, and more. There are ways you can help, even if the issue seems too large for one person.

Another very easy step that you can take on a local and personal level is to create a backyard habitat that is friendly and secure for birds. One of the best ways to do this is to design a garden that will attract and help sustain bird species in your area. If you have the space, plant native trees and shrubs to provide room for foraging and nesting. Fallen leaves, grass clippings, and dead branches or limbs provide opportunities for for nesting and feeding. Planting certain flowers will help birds find food, and by having a large variety you will attract different types of birds for year-round enjoyment.

Consider putting in bird feeders, bird baths, and bird houses for sustenance and nesting. Reduce or eliminate your use of pesticides. These steps are beneficial to birdlife, as well as the overall environment. Even if you only have a balcony, you can always put out a pot of bright geraniums or hang a feeder to attract hummingbirds.

There is always something that you can do to aid in conservation efforts. Birdwatchers can do a lot to protect the species that they love so much and to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy them as well. We can't stop all bird deaths, nor should we, but we can take steps to reduce our impact on the environment and habitats of birdlife. Consider joining a bird conservancy initiative or society to learn more about how you can protect birds in your area, as well as across North America.

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