helping birds

Early this fall, the tiny Wilson's Warbler began its long migration to Belize, where it winters. Navigating by the stars, the 1/4-ounce bird made a series of night flights spanning more than 2500 miles. This warbler returns to the same coffee plantation each year. Taller trees that shade the coffee are a winter home for many migrants from North America.

By buying shade-grown coffee, you can help migratory birds, including the Wilson's Warbler.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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Little Beaks is a rescue/rehoming bird sanctuary that focuses on small parrots/parakeets - budgies, cockatiels, doves, canaries and finches.
Sadly (like most bird rescue/rehomers) Little Beaks is in high demand  :(
Partly due to the unethical breeding behaviours of a select group of small parrot owners and partly to the continued human lack of knowledge concerning living with a small parrot - especially when it comes to caring for and sharing your life with a single budgie/cockatiel/canary living in a small cage.
It seems somewhat unbelievable that in the age of Google and internet access that people are still not knowing that birds in captivity need more than a seed diet and that a solitary life in a small cocky cage is not the best life for a bird.  But ask Little Beaks (probably any bird rescue/rehomer) and they will tell you these issues persist in a modern, pet trade focussed bird society with access to the internet.
When it come to caged bird welfare these are Little Beaks top tips:
1. Before you even step into a backyard or pet store do your research on the bird you think you want in your life.
2. Use reputable bird breeders - one who manage their breeding birds ethically and can show you clearly what they do, how they keep their birds and the care they give them.
3. If you buy a cage/patio aviary/aviary replace all the included dowel perches with real branches.
4. Use branches before bird safe rope; and if you buy a rope perch ensure it is made with bird safe fibres.
5. Never use plastic perches.
6. Provide your bird/s with a varied diet including good quality seed, sprouts, vegetables and fruit.
7. Avoid clipping any birds wings; if you must clip your bird/s wing/s consult with an avian vet and have the clipping done by an avian vet ONLY.
8. Never release your pet bird if you no longer want it or if you are having trouble caring for your bird - seek help from a vet or bird rescue service.

Little Beaks wants to clarify when talking "bird breeders" this is referring to unethical, uneducated bird welfare humans who bird farm, and is not referring to those aviculturists who care for and breed their birds ethically with great care and concern for their birds and educate themselves in bird welfare, nutrition, provide large aviaries and free flight opportunities for the birds in their care and acknowledge the need for captive breeding of birds that are endangered or threatened so as to maintain a species dna and for those who provide captive birds for re-population of restored habitat homelands.

Little Beaks FaceBook:
https://www.facebook.com/LittleBeaks

Little Beaks Instagram:
instagram.com/little_beaks

You asked, "how can I help birds?" We said, "HELL YES LET'S HELP SOME BIRDS."

Turns out, there are some very, very simple things you can do to help birds everywhere have a better chance of surviving. From your daily cup of coffee to just appreciating the birds near you, we cover eight easy things you can do every day for your feathered friends.

Want to go the extra mile? We know you do. That's why we also discuss eight MORE things you can do to really level-up your love of birds. COME AT US, BRO.

Share how you help birds by reaching out to us at hellobirdshit@gmail.com or following along on Instagram (@birdshitpodcast). We'd love to hear from you!


BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES
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EASY WAYS TO HELP BIRDS

• Help a bird that hits a window: this is Laura Erickson’s advice on what to do!
• Feather-friendly tape helps birds avoid window collisions.
• Bird feeder recommendations to feed your feathered friends.
• Drink Smithsonian-approved, bird-friendly coffee!
• Keep your kitties inside (or get a dope catio).
• Educate or work with feral cat organizations in your community.
• Drive slowly so birds can react to you.
• Appreciate the birds you see around you every day!

BIGGER WAYS TO HELP BIRDS

• Join the Audubon Society (or a local Audubon chapter near you)
• Go on walks with a local birding group.
• Add native plants to your yard (here’s how to do that)
• Volunteer for a bird rehabilitation organization near you.
• Participate in habitat restoration or natural area clean-ups! Literally, like, any new habitat helps.
• Count some birds on Global Big Day! (Psst: the “fall edition," called October Big Day, is on October 19, 2019!)
• Track the birds you see on eBird.
• Support legislation that benefits birds: your vote COUNTS!

DONATE TO THESE RAD ORGANIZATIONS:

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• Bird Conservation Alliance
• Hawk Mountain 
• Native Songbird Care and Conservation Group