More tips for protecting bird life . . .

Protect flyways. The Pacific Flyway extends from Alaska to South America and is a crucial migration path for hundreds of bird species. It’s estimated that 1 billion birds travel this flyway during migration, and navigating the vast arid and developed landscapes becomes more challenging each and every year, but our actions at home can make a difference. 

Keep your outdoor lighting pointing down. Upward shining lights can throw off birds’ navigation systems. Many migrants have to travel thousands of miles. Getting thrown off course is a matter of life and death. 

Respect preserved lands. When enjoying the numerous trails and beaches that surround us it is important to follow posted use guidelines. For migrants a disrupted stop to rest and recharge can be costly and threaten their ability to reach their destination. Staying on trails is important for us humans and our beloved furry companions as well. This is especially true at beaches. In Solana Beach our beaches provide migration stopovers for numerous shorebirds and habitat for endangered nesters such as least terns and snowy plovers;, loose dogs wreak havoc on their chances for survival.

Show your support! Volunteer with or donate to your local conservation organizations. So many organizations are working to preserve habitat, and look after birds and the ecosystems at large. By volunteering you’ll not only help, but meet others who have a shared interest in conservation. Some of our local organizations are The Nature Collective, The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, San Diego Bird Alliance, and of course the SeaWeeders!

Become a citizen scientist. Organizations like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have put out great tools that help many beginners learn to identify and report birds. Tools like Merlin identify bird songs, and iNaturalist can identify all kinds of plants and animals just from a photograph.

Tell your friends. Whatever action you decide to take, tell your friends about it. Changes stick when they come about organically. If you’re excited about what you're doing, odds are your friends will be interested too.