2.9 Billion Birds Gone

Did you know? The sad truth is that the North American bird population has decreased by 2.9 billion breeding adults, a net loss of 29% over the last half-century. That makes it about 1 in 4 birds gone from their natural areas. Scientists have identified habitat loss as the biggest reason for the decline. *Find out more info about the loss of birds at 3billionbirds.org

What We Are Doing To Help (And How You Can Too)

Wild Birds Unlimited is proud to be the Champion for the NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program, whose goal is to inspire everyone to create a haven for wildlife in their yard.  We are passionate in our support of this effort and believe it is something every household can do no matter the size or layout of your habitat.

                         

                    

Creating a wildlife friendly habitat to attract birds, butterflies, and other neighborhood wildlife is fun, rewarding, and makes a big difference. It’s easier than you might think. You just need to include one or more of each of the following five elements: food, water, cover and a place to raise young and practice sustainability.

 

You can visit the National Wildlife Federation site to get certification information. We are lucky to be located so close to the Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin, Delaware. They are the state affiliate for the NWF Certification process. Visit their site to get an application and send it back to them locally. You can request a free site visit for advice from a trained Habitat Steward (Delaware residents only) by simply checking that box on the application form. 

 

We hope this will create some excitement to add (or change up) your bird feeders, bird houses, bird baths, and native plants in your own 'habitat' and give you a smile for completing a job well done that you will get to enjoy along with your feathered friends.

 

Ready to Create Your Own Habitat?

This process is fun, rewarding and makes a big difference. It’s easier than you might think. Here is what your wildlife habitat should include:

1. Food
Include native plants in your yard to provide song birds with natural food sources. You also can attract a greater number and variety of birds by offering a consistent, reliable supplemental food source in the form of a bird feeder filled with a quality seed blend. Creating a bird feeding station with a variety of foods and various bird feeders will bring you many hours of bird watching enjoyment.

 

2. Water
Birds need clean, reliable water sources for drinking and bathing throughout the year. Water can attract as many birds to your yard or patio as a food. Often, you will attract birds that do not normally visit your bird feeders. Learn more about the variety of ways you can offer water in your wildlife friendly habitat, click here.

 

 
3. Cover

Birds need protective cover for times of rest, social interaction and as a retreat from foul weather and predators. Landscaping for the ideal wildlife habitat should use native plants ranging in size and density. 

 

4. A Place to Raise Young

The same native plants that provide food and shelter can provide safe areas for many species of wildlife to mate, build nests and raise their families. But, with the increased loss of natural habitat, many cavity-nesting birds are having trouble finding homes. By providing bird houses, you will encourage birds to raise their young in your yard.

 

 

Sustainable Practices

The idea of a flawless lawn may be a thing of the past. A few weeds and insects are a small price to pay — better for the environment and the birds. Maintaining your landscape in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly way ensures that the soil, air, and water that native wildlife (and people) rely upon stay clean and healthy.