Join BirdNote tomorrow, November 30th!
Illustrator David Sibley and actor H. Jon Benjamin will face off in the bird illustration battle of the century during BirdNote's Year-end Celebration and Auction!
BirdNote is on a mission to inspire 1 million people to take action for birds by 2027. To help inspire action, our team has crafted a guide to help you understand what you can do to help birds. To let us know what you've done to take action, complete our survey here!
Keep your cats indoors
Unfortunately, outdoor cats kill over 1 billion birds each year. Learn how to transition an outdoor cat to being an all-indoor cat, and how to make "the great indoors" fun for your cat.
Use eBird to record bird sightings
Through the eBird app and website, you can report bird observations and help scientists better understand bird distribution, migration, and population trends.
Plant native plants
By growing native species of plants in your yard, participating in efforts to plant native species in local green spaces, and encouraging businesses to include native plants on their grounds, you can provide crucial bird habitats in the spaces you live, work and play! Find species ideal for your area here.
Make windows bird-friendly and use apps like iNaturalist and dBird to record window collisions
Up to 1 billion birds die when they collide with buildings each year. Learn how to use decals or other materials to make your windows more visible to birds and report bird strikes using the iNaturalist and dBird apps.
Install nest boxes
Many species of birds will nest in boxes in yards and public green spaces! Learn how to build nest boxes designed for a species of your choice.
Clean bird feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease and/or report signs of disease among birds at feeders to local wildlife authorities.
Bird feeders bring hours of enjoyment, but they also can be sites of disease transmission among birds, especially if feeders are not regularly cleaned. Learn how to clean your feeders, take down feeders and bird baths when local birds experience a disease outbreak, and report signs of illness among birds at feeders to local wildlife authorities.
Advocate or vote for bird-friendly legislation
Pushing for change at local, regional, and national levels can help make a difference for birds. Learn about current legislative priorities from the American Bird Conservancy and the National Audubon Society.
Participate in community science projects like bird counts or nesting surveys
Birders can put their skills to use by participating in annual bird counts that help track changes in bird populations over time, revealing which species are at risk. These include the Christmas Bird Count and the Breeding Bird Survey. Check with your nearby bird conservation groups for local opportunities to survey bird populations.
Turn off lights to reduce light pollution
Lights from homes and businesses can draw migratory birds off course and cause birds to collide with buildings. Turning off lights at night during bird migration can help save birds' lives.
Purchase Bird-Friendly Coffee
Coffee is grown in tropical habitats that are essential to many bird species. Learn how to find bird-friendly coffee and encourage your local coffee retailers to use bird-friendly coffee beans.
Incorporate environmentally-friendly and sustainable transportation methods
Taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from travel can help the hundreds of bird species put at risk by climate change. Learn more about sustainable transportation options and green vehicles. Consider taking public transit, bike, scooter, or other mobility devices instead of a trip by car.
Volunteer for a conservation organization, park or beach cleanup
Getting involved with groups helping maintain and improve local green spaces is rewarding and a big help to birds and other wildlife. Find an environmental group near you, search for a nearby beach cleanup, or participate in research projects from home.
Avoid/reduce mowing and left dead leaves on the ground in the fall
Leaving the leaves and reducing the amount of mowing while increasing the amount of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers are easy ways to make your yard or shared green space more bird-friendly. Learn more about landscaping with birds in mind.
Sign up for renewable energy programs
Climate change is increasing the risk of extinction for two-thirds of North American bird species. Participate in renewable energy programs for your area and search for rebates and special offers on efficient ENERGY STAR appliances.
Inspire a young person or someone new to birding to develop a meaningful connection with birds and nature
Sharing the love of birds with someone else, especially a young person, can help spark a lifetime of learning about and supporting birds. Talk to friends and family about birds and learn how to use BirdNote as a teaching tool!
Make a donation to a conservation organization, like BirdNote
Support BirdNote's mission to inspire our listeners to protect the natural world with a donation of any amount!
Practice ethical birding and ethical bird photography
Birds bring us joy, so we should make sure to treat them with respect when we observe and photograph them. Learn more in ethical birding guidelines from the American Birding Association and bird photography/videography guidelines from the National Audubon Society.
How to become a more enthusiastic champion for birds
Go on bird outings or join a birding organization
Meet other bird-lovers and contribute to your local birding community! Find a local birding group and check the group's website and social media for upcoming opportunities to go birding.
Increase conservation knowledge through BirdNote programming, attending workshops and birding festivals
Learning more about birds can reveal more ways to help them. Listen to BirdNote Daily andBring Birds Back, and participate in birding events and festivals to boost your knowledge.
Photo credits:
Tree Swallows © Matt Sonnycalb
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds © Janet Lewis
Purple Martins © Bec Hallstedt
California Least Terns © Sandeep Dhar
Birders © Dara Miles Wilson