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6 Steps
to turn your yard into a Sanctuary for Birds
1. Put out the welcome mat!
Habitats loss is the biggest challenge facing birds. You can
help by making your neighborhood more attractive to birds by
landscaping with native plants that provide natural food
sources, shelter from the elements
and predators, and nesting sites. Providing feeders, nest boxes
and water also benefits birds. To learn how, stop by your local
wild bird shop or garden retailer.
2. Prepare a proper menu.
Providing the appropriate foods year round will attract more
birds to your yard and help ensure that they have a safe and
nutritious diet. Refill feeders regularly with food desired by
birds in your area. To pick the best menu, stop by your local
wild bird shop.
3. Keep feed and feeding areas clean.
To help reduce the possibility of disease transmission in birds,
clean feeders and feeding areas at least once a month. Some
feeders can go in the dishwasher, while others may be rinsed
with a 10% solution of bleach and warm water. Scrub birdbaths
with a brush and replace water every three to five days to
discourage mosquito reproduction. Rake up and dispose of seed
hulls under feeders. Moving feeders periodically helps prevent
the build up of waste on the ground. Keep seed and foods dry;
discard food that smells musty, is wet or looks moldy.
Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned every three to five days,
or more often in warm weather. It’s good hygiene to wash your
hands after filling or cleaning feeders.
4. Birds and chemicals don’t mix.
Many pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are toxic to birds;
avoid using these near areas where birds, bathe or rest. Always
follow directions
provided by chemical manufacturers. For additional information
visit your garden retail.
5. Keep cats away from birds.
Scientists estimate that cats probably kill hundreds of millions
of birds each year in the U.S. This is a big problem, but it’s
easy to fix. Many people who enjoy feeding birds also love cats.
The best solution is to keep cats indoors. They will lead
longer, healthier lives, and your yard will be safer for birds.
Install feeders in areas not readily accessible to cats or
install fences or other barriers to help stray cats from feeder
areas. Collar bells, de-clawing and keeping cats well fed will
not solve the problem.
6. Reduce window collisions.
Collisions with glass windows kill millions of wild birds every
year. Depending on their size and location, some windows reflect
the sky or vegetation, and birds are fooled into thinking they
can fly through them. To eliminate this problem identify windows
that cause collisions (typically larger, reflective windows,
those near the ground, or those that “look through” the house).
Attaching decorative decals or other decorations to the outside
surface of the glass can reduce reflections. If birds fleeing
from your feeders are colliding with windows, consider moving
feeders to within three feet of the window so birds cannot harm
themselves while flying away. Problem windows can be covered
with a screen so that birds bounce off, rather than hit the
glass.
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