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.