The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has reported that since 1970, at least 30% of North America’s birds have been lost. They estimate this to be about three billion birds in the span of only half a human lifetime! The greatest loss has been a direct result of urban sprawl.
As human beings continue to encroach on the forests and grasslands that once provided home for many bird species, their habitat is lost. This means that the plant life and insects that sustained them, has been taken from them. They are running out of places to roost and to raise their young. The widespread use of pesticides has destroyed the insects on which they depend for protein. Herbicide and fungicide use has compromised their health. A recent study suggests that about a million birds are lost each year from flying into glass fronted buildings and windows. They cannot tell from the reflection, that it is a solid surface. Several more millions are lost from collisions with power lines, electrocution, and aircraft.
Even more disturbing is that we are losing birds with which we are familiar, because they once used to be common. Orioles, warblers, meadowlarks, swallows, blackbirds, and finches are all in decline. Added to all of the things previously mentioned, global warming is affecting birds, too.
If you have birds flying into your windows, make it a priority to place decals on them, to help the birds see that it is a solid surface. Make sure that your bird feeders are out in the open and high enough so that cats cannot sneak up and pick off the birds. Keep you birdbaths clean and filled. It goes without saying that you should cease and desist using any type of chemicals on your property. Plant more trees and shrubs. Use native plant species to provide food and shelter for birds. Help them out in winter by providing feeders and suet, or at least toss some seed out on top of the snow.
Birds are just one of many losses we have seen in recent years. It is time to reverse this trend, before it is too late.
