How to Help Birds at Home
Comedian Michael Ian Black explains how to create bird-friendly habitat—luckily his tips are better than his carpentry skills.
1. Grow native plants
Native plants are the basis for animal life in any given area. Birds and insects need the plants they co-evolved with in order to thrive. Native species are also adapted to local climates so they require less water, need less maintenance, and better adjust to shifts in climate. Find native plants in your area here.
2. Reduce your pesticide and fertilizer use
Chemicals can have detrimental effects on insect and environmental health. Protect the birds and the bugs they eat by cutting down on the use of these products. Learn more about the dangers of pesticides from this article by BirdLife International.
3. Leave your yard alone, including those dead trees.
That’s right, it pays to be lazy. Birds love messy landscapes because they mimic their natural habitats. Dead trees, long grass, and discarded leaf piles all provide a natural source of insects and refuge. Check out this story from Audubon magazine to learn how to create a bird-friendly yard.
4. Provide shelter for birds
Birdhouses offer valuable homes for the many species of birds that would otherwise nest in tree cavities and enclosures. Unfortunately, sometimes there aren’t enough natural holes to go around, especially in populated suburbs and cities. You can make a difference by installing avian architecture, just use this Audubon resource as reference.
With support from Toyota through our Toyota TogetherGreen program, Audubon is working across the country to help make backyards more habitable for birds and other wildlife.
For example, California’s Altacal Audubon Society is creating a Neighborhood Habitat Certification Program designed to educate and empower individuals to take action to restore and create habitat, one yard at a time. By collaborating with governmental agencies, private businesses, and local non-profits, they are helping residents convert lawns to wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Learn more about bird-friendly yards and activities: