10 Calls to Action for Bird-friendly Cities and Communities.




1. Plant Native Gardens: This simple act provides food and shelter for birds while supporting pollinators like butterflies and bees. Native plants are adapted to your local ecosystem, attracting native birds and creating a healthy environment for wildlife. (Source: Audubon - Why Native Plants Are Better for Birds and People)

2. Make Your Windows Bird-Safe: Hundreds of millions of birds die from window collisions yearly. Use films, curtains, or patterned glass to deter birds from mistaking reflections for open sky. Existing buildings can be retrofitted with these solutions and new buildings can be planned so they are more bird-friendly. (Source: Mass Audubon - Why Do Birds Fly Into Windows?)

3. Turn Off Unnecessary Lights: Artificial light disrupts bird migration patterns and can be deadly. Use shielded, downward-facing lights, timers, sensors, and turn off unnecessary lights at night. Advocate for policies promoting dark skies. (Source: Environmental Pollution -Pre-migration artificial light at night advances the spring migration timing of a trans-hemispheric migratory songbird)

4. Create Bird-Friendly Backyards: Provide water sources, nesting boxes (using natural materials), and eliminate pesticide/herbicide use that harms insects birds rely on. This creates a backyard sanctuary for local wildlife. (Source: Audubon - Cities, Towns, and Parks)

5. Advocate for Sustainable Urban Planning: Support policies promoting green and blue spaces, wildlife corridors, and "wild" areas within city limits. This reduces habitat destruction and creates healthy ecosystems for birds and people. (Source: PubMed Central - Consequences of changing biodiversity)

6. Support Bird-Friendly Building Standards: Encourage the use of the American Bird Conservancy's Bird-Friendly Building Standard for new construction and renovations. Buildings should be designed with bird safety in mind, minimizing window collisions. (Source: American Bird Conservancy - Bird-friendly Building Guide)

7. Connect with Your Community: Work with neighbors, schools, businesses, and local government to create a network of bird-friendly spaces. Help create a lasting commitment to bird conservation amongst people living in or near cities.

8. Engage & Educate: Inspire the next generation! Organize or participate in events like World Migratory Bird Day to educate children and neighbors about birds and their challenges. This creates a lasting commitment to conservation.

9. Protect Stopover Sites: These resting and feeding areas for migratory birds are disappearing. Support efforts to preserve stopover sites and habitats in your community and across borders

10. Keep Cats Indoors: Domestic cats are efficient predators that pose a significant threat to bird populations. Keeping cats indoors protects birds and other wildlife. Consider providing safe outdoor spaces like screened-in porches or catios for your cat to enjoy the outdoors without harming wildlife. (Source: Cats and Birds | American Bird Conservancy)



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