World Migratory Bird Day, May 11, is a special day that reminds us of the importance of protecting birds that migrate across the globe. Let's unite and do our part in keeping them safe and happy!
The beautiful sounds of migratory birds mark the arrival of spring. Unfortunately, songbirds in North America face numerous threats, including the loss of habitat, window strikes, and roaming cats. But we have the power to make a difference. This is why Assiniboine Park is a partner in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s North American Songbird SAFE program to utilize the collective strengths of zoos, aquariums, and visitors to help save species.
Let's join hands and welcome our feathered friends back by doing our bit to ensure their journey is always SAFE. On World Migratory Bird Day, May 11, let's pledge to help protect these beautiful creatures by implementing three simple things.
1. Create a Bird Paradise
Did you know that creating an insect-friendly garden could turn your outdoor space into a bird paradise? It's true!
By welcoming insects, you'll attract plenty of feathered friends who love to feast on them. So why not plan an insect garden that uses native flowers, shrubs, and trees from your area? When incorporating more native plants in our backyards, we provide a good habitat for bugs and birds, by providing the food and coverage needed to survive.
.jpg)
2. Keep Kitty Inside
As a responsible pet owner, it is important to keep our feline friends safe by keeping them indoors.
Domestic cats are known to be instinctive predators and are non-native to our environment which is why it is crucial to prevent them from causing harm to our local wildlife. Cats are responsible for the highest number of bird fatalities caused by humans in the United States and Canada.
Keeping your cats indoors not only ensures their safety but also contributes to their overall health and longevity.
You can create an indoor environment that allows them to engage in natural behaviours like hunting, climbing, hiding, scratching, and perching. Here are a few ways to achieve this:
- Provide a variety of cat toys that are safe and stimulating.
- Create perching areas near windows for your cat to watch the world and enjoy fresh air from screened windows.
- Enhance your cat's sensory experience with textured mats, scratching posts, toys that make sounds, catnip, or hide treats around the house.
If you feel that your cat has a strong desire to go outside, there are a few ways to do this safely:
- Supervise your cat when they go outside
- Build your cat a catio
- Train your cat to walk on a leash – it is possible!
3. Bird-friendly Windows
Make windows SAFE for birds. Many birds collide with windows during migration because they can’t see glass and try to fly through it. Close your blinds, turn off your lights, or add decals to your windows.
Birds often fly through small spaces, so creating a visual barrier spaced every 2 inches horizontally and 4 inches vertically can help birds see glass as an object that they cannot fly through.
This can be accomplished by designs, patterns, simple dots or lines with a variety of materials such as:
- Chalk markers
- Tempera paint
- Insect screening
- Soap/soapy water
Permanent solutions include bird-safe film and glass. (Fun fact – you can buy this at the Wild Things Gift Shop!)
Let's take action to protect our local wildlife, with a special focus on birds, so that we can cherish and enjoy their presence for years to come.
