A New Years Resolution to protect/promote wild birds

[trymahjong]

From CEC newsletter:

 

Protecting Houston’s Feathered Friends

By: Samantha Page

 

Sunday, January 5th, marked National Bird Day, a perfect moment to reflect on the beauty and importance of birds in our lives—and the alarming decline in their populations. Studies show that North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970, a staggering 29% of the population. This loss affects ecosystems, biodiversity, and the joy birds bring to our daily lives.

 

Birds are more than just fascinating creatures; they are nature’s musicians, with songbirds like cardinals and blue jays gracing our lives with their melodies. They also play critical roles in pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal, contributing to the balance of ecosystems.

 

How We Can Help Birds Thrive

We can take several simple steps to support birds and reverse their decline:

 

Provide Food, Water, and Habitat

• Native Plants: Grow native plants to attract insects and provide natural food sources for birds.
• Water Sources: Add birdbaths or small water features to your yard, especially during hot Texas summers.

 

Reduce Nighttime Light Pollution

Migratory birds rely on the stars for navigation. Artificial light, especially from office buildings, disrupts this process. Turning off lights at night—particularly during migration seasons—can save countless lives. Need to mention that looking at the starry night sky is truly beautiful. 

 

Keep Cats Indoors

Cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds annually in the U.S. alone. Keeping cats indoors not only protects birds but also keeps your feline friend safer.

 

Prevent Window Collisions

Each year, up to 1 billion birds die from colliding with windows. Apply special reflective tape or decals to your home and office windows to make them visible to birds.

 

Participate in Bird Counts

Join citizen science initiatives like the Great Backyard Bird Count or local efforts to monitor bird populations.

 

Support Conservation Organizations

Get involved with groups like Houston Audubon, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Galveston Ornithological Society, American Bird Conservancy, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations work tirelessly to protect bird habitats and raise awareness.

 

Birds of Houston: A Year-Round Treasure

Houston is home to several bird species that delight residents year-round. The vibrant blue jay, with its striking plumage and intelligent behavior, is a common sight. My favorite, the northern cardinal, with its bright red feathers and beautiful songs, brings color to any backyard. The red-bellied woodpecker, with its striking markings and drumming sounds, is another local favorite.

These modern-day dinosaurs—yes, birds are the last surviving dinosaurs—remind us of nature’s resilience and the wonders of evolution.

 

Protecting Our Feathered Dinosaurs

As we work to protect Houston’s birds, let’s commit to creating a world where they can thrive. By taking small steps in our own lives and supporting larger conservation efforts, we can ensure these remarkable creatures continue to enrich our world for generations to come.

[Mark Robert M]

On 1/8/2025 at 4:46 PM, trymahjong said:

From CEC newsletter:

 

 

Protecting Houston’s Feathered Friends

By: Samantha Page

 

Sunday, January 5th, marked National Bird Day, a perfect moment to reflect on the beauty and importance of birds in our lives—and the alarming decline in their populations. Studies show that North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970, a staggering 29% of the population. This loss affects ecosystems, biodiversity, and the joy birds bring to our daily lives.

 

Birds are more than just fascinating creatures; they are nature’s musicians, with songbirds like cardinals and blue jays gracing our lives with their melodies. They also play critical roles in pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal, contributing to the balance of ecosystems.

 

How We Can Help Birds Thrive

We can take several simple steps to support birds and reverse their decline:

 

Provide Food, Water, and Habitat

• Native Plants: Grow native plants to attract insects and provide natural food sources for birds.
• Water Sources: Add birdbaths or small water features to your yard, especially during hot Texas summers.

 

Reduce Nighttime Light Pollution

Migratory birds rely on the stars for navigation. Artificial light, especially from office buildings, disrupts this process. Turning off lights at night—particularly during migration seasons—can save countless lives. Need to mention that looking at the starry night sky is truly beautiful. 

 

Keep Cats Indoors

Cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds annually in the U.S. alone. Keeping cats indoors not only protects birds but also keeps your feline friend safer.

 

Prevent Window Collisions

Each year, up to 1 billion birds die from colliding with windows. Apply special reflective tape or decals to your home and office windows to make them visible to birds.

 

Participate in Bird Counts

Join citizen science initiatives like the Great Backyard Bird Count or local efforts to monitor bird populations.

 

Support Conservation Organizations

Get involved with groups like Houston Audubon, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Galveston Ornithological Society, American Bird Conservancy, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations work tirelessly to protect bird habitats and raise awareness.

 

Birds of Houston: A Year-Round Treasure

Houston is home to several bird species that delight residents year-round. The vibrant blue jay, with its striking plumage and intelligent behavior, is a common sight. My favorite, the northern cardinal, with its bright red feathers and beautiful songs, brings color to any backyard. The red-bellied woodpecker, with its striking markings and drumming sounds, is another local favorite.

These modern-day dinosaurs—yes, birds are the last surviving dinosaurs—remind us of nature’s resilience and the wonders of evolution.

 

Protecting Our Feathered Dinosaurs

As we work to protect Houston’s birds, let’s commit to creating a world where they can thrive. By taking small steps in our own lives and supporting larger conservation efforts, we can ensure these remarkable creatures continue to enrich our world for generations to come.

We at gouttieressaintjerome.ca  are committed to preserving the beauty of our environment and protecting the wildlife that calls it home. As part of our dedication to nature, we’ve made it a priority to create a welcoming space for birds and other local wildlife around the homes we service.

simple actions like planting native plants, providing water, reducing light pollution, and keeping cats indoors can make a big difference. Supporting local conservation groups is also key. Every small step helps preserve these beautiful creatures for future generations.