10 calls to action

There are a number of ways you can kickstart helping birds. How many of these ‘best practices’ do you already do?

1 Go litter picking

Why not join the growing legions of walkers or just people who enjoy the countryside (and its wildlife) by helping to pick litter. All wildlife will benefit.

2 Keep cats indoors

Sadly, it is estimated that in the UK alone, cats kill 27 million birds (mostly sparrows, tits, Blackbirds and Starlings: ie garden birds). If possible keep cats indoors. If they must go outdoors, make sure they wear a bell to warn birds of their approach.

3 Control dogs in the countryside

We are a nation of dog-lovers. Unfortunately, dogs can be very destructive to wildlife, including birds. Where there is potential to disturb wildlife, dogs should be kept on a lead; or even better, not taken to certain sites (such as sensitive nature reserves).

4 Shop bird-friendly

We can all help wildlife by being aware of how we shop. It is not just plastic bag use and the horrific effects of palm oil production – there are many, many ways we can change our shopping habits to help protect wildlife and so birds. Think before you buy.

5 Join ‘lights out’

Artificial lights are a big danger to birds, especially during periods of night migration. Birds can be drawn off course and can collide with heavily lit structures. You can make a contribution (however small), by reducing the amount of light you produce unnecessarily.

6 save energy

Energy-saving measures are wildlife-saving measures. Any measures which help reduce the consumption of fossil fuels will help the planet (and the birds which live on it).

7 part with plastics

One of the tragedies of the modern age is the excessive amount of plastic polluting the planet. Birds, particularly seabirds, have been found dead with stomachs packed with waste plastic products. Think hard about your plastic usage.

8 report deadly overhead wires

Overhead wires, especially near water bodies, can be deadly for birds). If you suspect overhead wires could kill birds, contact the landowner/local council to request they put anti-bird-strike reflectors etc on the wires to prevent collisions. You might be surprised by how quickly they respond!

9 Join the rspb, bTO etc or local bird club

One of the first things any birdwatcher can do for the birds they love is to join the RSPB. This huge charity has more than 170 nature reserves and does more than any other body to help British birds.

Alternatively (or as well), the British Trust for Ornithology is the organising responsible for monitoring bird populations and carrying out many scientific projects. Many of their research projects rely on networks of volunteer birdwatchers (which could be you).

Whether it be a local RSPB members group, a city bird club or a regional or county bird club, or the local Wildlife Trust, joining your local bird or naturalist club can be the first step to helping your local bird life.

10 become a volunteer

Organisations like the RSPB & the Wildlife Trusts, as well as local bird clubs always want volunteers, to help run nature reserves, lead walks, carry out maintenance, etc. Put something back by joining the legion of volunteers.