Birdfeeders

As the population of the United States grows, there is less and less open area for bird habitats and according to yearly counts, the populations of songbirds in the U.S. are declining. Each of us can help by making our backyards as bird friendly as possible. Of course, hanging bird feeders will attract birds, but how we maintain our yards is quite important. The  well-kept yard that is as neat and tidy as the inside of a house is really an ecological desert. Where exotic plants are nurtured and all insects are banished is no place for a bird to live. When chemicals are used as well, the result is the unintentional destruction of bird life. Studies have shown that yards and gardens receive more pesticides per year than does almost any other land in the U.S! These chemicals kill birds, either directly or by poisoning the worms and insects that the birds eat. We all need to get involved and spread the word. Everyone doesn’t need to have hanging bird feeders in their yards, but everyone can have at least a portion of their yard that offers food and protection for local bird populations.