Bird Friendly Landscapes

Giving birds – and other wildlife – a helping hand comes in many forms. Adding native plants to your space is a great step. Here are some other things to do to to keep birds safe both near and far.

Preventing Collisions with Glass

Improving habitat for birds by planting native plants attracts birds into your space, and may put them at increased risk of colliding with your windows, glass doors and railings. Fortunately there are some simple solutions to this issue. Learn more about this issue and choose a solution here at the Bird Collision Prevention Alliance.

Saving the Light

Did you know that many birds migrate at night? They have fascinating navigation systems finely tuned to natural sources of light, and the earths magnetic field. Our lights confuse their ability to navigate, and they become disoriented and grounded in dangerous places. Learn about how you can reduce unnecessary light to help birds and nocturnal wildlife with these light and landscape guidelines.

Add a Nestbox, Keep it Safe

In some areas, adding nest boxes to your space can help birds. Natural cavities are rare in some urban areas where there is limited natural habitat left. Nest boxes can support many birds, from playful chickadees to rodent-eating owls. Learn more about whether a nest box would be helpful to your local birds here, and how to keep nest boxes safe from predators.

Keep Cats Safe and Entertained

Many of us enjoy the loyal companionship of cats. When let outside, cats are at risk from disease, predators, vehicles and other cats. Cats in turn also pose a big risk to wildlife, both via direct predation and disturbance by their mere presence. You can explore our science-based FAQ here. Explore ways to keep your cat healthy and entertained indoors.

Helping Birds Elsewhere

How we manage our space, no matter how small, is important for our resident birds, but also for migratory birds which fly between the remote northern Boreal forest of Alaska and Canada, where they nest, and Central and South America, where they spend the winter. Review our Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds to learn how you can help birds globally.