Photo: National Wildlife Federation

More and more birds are losing their homes due to loss of habitat. The National Audubon Society is painting a bleak picture for the future of birds, telling us, that more and more species will disappear by the year 2050.

Here are some tips to help the birds in your area through the next winter:

1. “Provide running water. Birds require water year-round. The sound of running water in a birdbath or pond will be heard by birds from some distance, draw them in for a drink, and possibly a quick dip as well.
2. Clean out birdhouses. Make necessary repairs to birdhouses in preparation for species that roost during fall and winter. In many areas, bluebirds, chickadees, nuthatches and winter wrens may take up nightly residence in birdhouses to keep warm and safe.
3. Create brush piles. Save your fall clippings of branches and twigs. Then, pile them in a corner of the yard to create cover for birds that prefer habitat on the ground—such as dark-eyed juncos, tree sparrows and white-throated sparrows.
4. Increase the number of feeders. In the cooler days of fall, birds increase their food consumption and will continue to do so as the temperature drops.
5. Plant evergreens. Planted near feeders and birdbaths, evergreens are perfect for providing cover for birds after deciduous trees lose their leaves.”

You can learn more about making your back yard a home for birds and other species here

http://www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife.aspx?campaignid=WH14F1DSCXX&s_subsrc=Web_Sidebar_CWH_HowToHelp

http://climate.audubon.org

Thank you for spreading the word on animal awareness!