Make Earth Day a day for the birds

From Born Free USA:
The animal and wildlife conservation group Born Free USA is asking people to be particularly conscious of the vital role birds play in the environmental balance of nature when they celebrate Earth Day on Friday, April 22.
Adam Roberts, executive vice president of Born Free USA, said, “Habitat loss is the single greatest threat to our birds — outweighing building collisions, domestic cat predation, hunting or capturing for the pet trade. There are relatively simple and immediate ways people can help birds and contribute to wildlife conservation and the health of our planet … by creating habitats in your backyard and community.”
Born Free USA’s top tips for creating habitats for birds:
Provide nesting sites: Planting a variety of native trees and shrubs provides optimal protection and nesting sites for birds.
Diversity is key: One of the most important features for birds is structural diversity with shrubs and herbaceous plants that grow under trees and plants at different heights and groupings.

Dead trees serve a purpose. As long as dead trees and limbs do not pose a human safety concern, leave them. They provide habitat for birds such as woodpeckers and bluebirds that use tree holes for nests. Dead limbs also provide “lookout” posts for birds.
Cats versus birds:  Keep cats indoors especially during the bird breeding season when young birds are most at risk while they are learning to fly.
Stop mowing: Or at least set aside some “no-mow” areas of your yard. Many songbirds nest close to the ground in grass and “weeds.” Leaving tall grass areas will help birds such as goldfinches, quail and towhees — and you’ll save on mowing time, expense and pollution.
Create a water source: Look for a 1- to 3-inch-deep basin that can be easily cleaned and has a gentle slope so birds can wade into the water. Keep birdbaths at least 15 feet from other feeding areas and near shrubs or trees for quick escape from predators. Keep water clear of algae, mud or droppings by replacing it every two to three days.
As part of Born Free USA’s effort to protect birds, it leads the National Bird Day campaign every Jan. 5. Find out more at the National Bird Day website.