Simple steps to support bird life

There are so many things to love about living in San Diego! Among them is our access to a world class city as well as a multitude of habitats from the oceans to the mountains to the deserts, and it is this incredible diversity of habitats that makes San Diego county “the most biologically rich county in the continental US” and a dream destination for birders from around the world. 

But did you know that this abundant wildlife that helps define our home is also under threat, more than any other county? We are home to approximately 200 imperiled species and several endangered ones too.

The good news is that we can help! There are two simple steps you can take to greatly support bird-life in your neighborhood.

First: Keep your cats indoors. If you only do one thing to help birds, this should be it. Cats’ hunting instincts are innate, and they have contributed to the extinction of 63 species around the globe. In the US, free ranging cats kill an estimated 1.3 - 4 billion birds per year, and even more mammals. Keeping your cats indoors also protects them from harm, like passing cars, coyotes, and disease. A quick search for “Catios” will turn up all kinds of cool cat enclosures that can provide them a rich outdoor life. You can DIY your catio, or buy one premade to install at home. 

Secondly: Protect birds by preventing window strikes. We tend to think of this as a skyscraper problem, and while these huge buildings are lethal to migrating birds, single family homes account for 44% of glass-strike mortalities. Even birds that seem fine and fly away, often die later from their injuries (internal bleeding, fractures, concussions, etc.). To prevent strikes, find a way to eliminate attractive reflections of sky and habitat from your windows. Insect screens are very effective, but there are other options as well. Reputable organizations like the American Bird Conservancy can help you understand your options .