Creating A Healthy Bird Habitat

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"Our Father loves all creatures great and small"

Several guidelines and precautions must be taken into consideration when creating a sanctuary for wild birds due to the possibility of disease transmission, parasite infestation, and the attraction of wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, or birds of prey which may not be your intention.

The Necessity of Providing a Sanitary Environment

An article written by James P. Sterba called "Feeding Wild Birds May Harm Them and Environment" addresses the importance of providing clean conditions to help prevent disease and parasite infestation. Consultation with Paul Barrows, former head of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, provided further insight into this matter. Barrows proposed that feeding wild birds may cause more harm than good because feeding areas are often kept in unsanitary conditions. Feeders are seldom cleaned allowing for transmission of diseases such as Avian pox which causes warts to erupt on the bird's body and may also cause respiratory problems making breathing increasingly difficult. In addition, Aspergillosis, a mold that may form on damp seed, causes problems by adversely effecting a bird's respiratory system making it difficult for the bird to breathe and walk. Ground-feeding birds, such as the mourning dove, are particularly vulnerable to this ailment and may be at greater risk for developing contagions associated with bird feces that is allowed to remain under feeders for prolonged periods of time. Bird feces provide a fitting environment for both bacteria and parasites to inhabit until contact is made with a suitable host.

Conflicting views on whether or not the benefits associated with feeding wild birds outweigh the above mentioned detrimental effects is currently under study. Further environmental impact studies will help determine the results of additional problems which may be linked with feeding wild birds such as winter dependency, population explosions, and alterations in migration patterns. However, The National Audubon Society does not believe that the current data supports the necessity for individuals to discontinue feeding wild birds.

Notice: If you should find multiple dead birds in your yard, do not touch these birds or allow your your pets to come in contact with these birds. Contact your Fish and Wildlife Commission or local health department immediately to report unusual bird deaths so trained officials can determine the cause of the birds death. These findings are unusual and may be the result of West Nile Virus, Bird Flu, or other infectious processes.

Guidelines For Creating A Natural Setting For Feeding Wild Birds

The best way to attract birds is by providing a more natural setting in which birds feel secure and comfortable while feeding and nesting. The following are some suggestions to consider when landscaping your property.

Create a 5-10 foot boundary around the perimeter of your property. Keep this area in its natural state allowing for growth of thickets and vines. This area may not look tidy but birds love it.
Plant annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees known to attract birds, provide shelter, and supply various types of seed.
In shady areas, where few plants can thrive, plant shade loving ferns. Ferns make excellent ground covering and provide a great place for birds to take cover and evade predators.
Avoid the use of pesticides. Insects are preferred by many birds such as the red-headed or red-bellied woodpecker.
Construct a compost pile. Not only does this create rich organic material, this decaying matter becomes home to a variety of creatures such as earthworms, grubs, and centipedes that birds find to be a gourmet delicacy.
Provide an area where small twigs and branches can be left to decay. This provides a home for many organisms, material for building shelter, and cover for hiding out.
Place netting over large windows, keep the blinds down, or attach an object on the window that can be easily detected (e.g., sun catcher or stained glass picture) that will help prevent birds form crashing into the window. In the event crashing does occur, death is likely.

Guidelines For Feeding Wild Birds When Using Bird Feeders

If by any chance you cannot follow the above recommendations and must use bird feeders or you just want to use bird feeders in addition to the above suggestions, please follow the following guidelines to help prevent disease transmission and parasite infestation.

Clean feeders with a diluted bleach solution or a vinegar and water solution on a bi-weekly basis. Rinse feeders to ensure cleaning solution is removed and allow the feeder to dry thoroughly before adding seed.
Clean up any debris that may have fallen on the ground while birds feed, such as sunflower seed hulls, from the feeding area every one or two weeks. This practice should be done more often during seasons in which rainfall is more plentiful or in areas where large amounts of bird feces accumulate.
Rotate feeding areas periodically, preferably ever few months. This allows time for the previously used area to be restored before being used again for feeding.
Place feeders a safe distance away from bushes and trees to decrease the chances of successful ambushes by outdoor cats and other predators. Placing the feeder approximately 15-20 feet from bushes and flowerbeds increases the bird's visibility and chances of thwarting a surprise attack

Please be sure to supply the creatures with plenty of fresh water and clean the bath regularly.

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