Posted September 1st 2020
Ah, the end of summer. There’s something thrilling about that change in season, which, for some of us, means getting ready for school and hitting the books. And, in certain parts of North America, September’s entrance signals the start of the cold, winter weather that is slowly creeping upon us!
So, if the idea of saying goodbye to summer has you feeling a little glum, why not capture summer’s essence with us? Gather your family and head outdoors to soak in the last few weeks of gorgeous, summer heat, and get acquainted with some of your backyard birds before they begin their Fall migration. Fall migration is dangerous for birds at the best of times, as they must cover thousands of miles, often crossing oceans and unfamiliar territory where they face the threat of not only exhaustion, but also predators.
However, it’s not just natural predators that pose a threat to birds: window collisions will kill approximately one billion birds in North American each year. If you’re wondering how you can help tackle this enormous issue, Feather Friendly® has gathered a few ideas to help you to start your bird conservation journey from the comfort of your home.
So, what are some other ways that you can protect your fellow birds and enjoy the outdoors? Adelina Benson, a contributor for Bird’s Eye Birding, suggests that, in addition to its many mental health benefits, your desire to birdwatch, or simply take an interest in birds, enables you to recognize the importance of birds in your society, where they make significant contributions to both natural and man-made environments.
Take advantage of sunny September weather by identifying local birds. Karen Stephens, writer for Exchange, advises parents to identify a few basic “field markings” to help them recognize common species. Parents can “gradually introduce children to markings that are most obvious and easy to observe. As they master one criteria, introduce another. With practice, children learn to juggle all criteria for identification.” Some common field markings include color, size, bill shape, size and color, body shape and wing shape. If you can, take some time to research and observe birds in your backyard or in your neighbourhood. Spend time with your children to identify simple markings, habitat and even bird calls of local species.
Safewings Ottawa reports that, because most homeowners are at work during the day, many bird collisions go unnoticed and undocumented. However, even if you do spend a good deal of time at home, you may not be able to see or hear when birds have collided with your window.
So, what can you do from home to help prevent window collisions? In addition to taking an interest in your local bird population, and finding ways to support them, you can try out our bird-friendly window deterrent markers to prevent window collisions in your neighbourhood! Or, have your children take part in making your yard bird-friendly by planting native plants and tending to your bird feeder!
Here are a few recommendations that you can try at home:
1. Purchase Feather Friendly® DIY window tape! Our at-home kit lets you install window deterrent markers on your windows. The 1 Roll Kit contains the following components: 100 ft. roll of Feather Friendly® Residential Bird Deterrent Tape, two measuring tapes and a set of Installation Instructions. Feather Friendly® bird deterrent markers will protect 2.5 x 6.5 feet (30 x 80 inches or 16 square feet) of glass patio door, glass panel railing or equivalent window area.
Feather Friendly® window markers are designed for longevity and durability under a variety of conditions! Window markers help to break up the reflections that appear on glass windows, which birds frequently mistake as an extension of their environment. The markers give birds a visual cue and prevents them from colliding with the glass.
2. Encourage your children to help you make your yard bird safe by letting them select a native plant or bird feeder to place in your yard. Check out our blog on native plants and visit Audubon’s native plants database to learn more on how plants can provide support to local and migrating bird populations. If you do decide to introduce a bird bath or bird feeder into your yard, practice proper distancing from windows and explain to your child why it’s important to place your feeder this way. Finally, if they’re old enough, allow your child to assist you in proper cleaning techniques to ensure both your feeder and bird bath stay safe from bacteria and other predators.
Installing window markers and adding some bird feeders, bird baths and native plants will attract more local species to your outdoor space, which means your children can enjoy not only protecting bird species, but also watching them in their natural habitat!
With migration season close at hand, you can get the most out of the Fall weather and get involved in some fun birding activities. Start by making some changes, like using window deterrent markers and take an interest in your local bird population! Taking the time to engage in bird friendly activities will inspire to engage in bird friendly practices for life. Order your DIY kit, or contact us for a customized commercial solution, to help migrating birds reach their destination.