Accidental and premature death of birds are caused most often by the following:

• Cats, Hawks and some other predators.
• Man-Made structures, mainly glass windows
• Loss of habitat
• Disease

If you have a cat, keep it indoors.  If neighbors have cats, talk to them above keeping them indoors.  If they do not respond appropriately and their cats are stalking birds on your property, you may need to take additional action with animal control.  Hawks present a different problem.  Placing feeders near shrubbery for quick protection is the best solution.  Do not place feeders in the middle of an open field.  The birds will stand no chance against a Hawk.  Plant shrubs around feeders is the best defense.

Windows kill countless number of birds.  They see a reflection of themselves and see it as a threat and fly into the window.  They may also see directly through a house if a window is directly across the room.  They attempt to fly straight through and break their necks.  You will need to reduce reflections and allow birds to see inside your house.  This will allow them to make the decision that that is not where they want to be.  You can accomplish this by doing the following:

• Observe your windows in the morning, mid-day and evening and isolate problem times.
• Illuminate dark rooms at times when reflections are most prominent.
• Use shades and curtains to stop reflections.
• Consider installing skylights.  They will also provide additional benefits.

Loss of habitat is locally and world wide.  If you concentrate on your property, you can make a tremendous difference.  Provide a diverse habitat where birds can live and propagate.  Plant trees, shrubs, flowers and reduce lawn area.  If you have a large property, create a meadow, a field and a marsh.  Put up nest boxes, let some dead trees stand.  Feed birds throughout the year.  Use little or no chemical fertilizers, weed killers or other substances that will effect wildlife.  Provide a water source in the form of a pond or bird baths.

Disease is a natural cause of death but may be increased and spread by things you do.  Here are things you can do to keep birds healthy and disease free.

• Keep nest boxes clean
• Keep feeders clean
• Dispose of spoiled feed
• Keep water sources clean
• Do not use chemicals on your property that may weaken birds immunity