RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Bird populations in North America have declined by approximately 2.9 billion birds, according to recent data . But, what can Virginia residents do to support their populations?
“Habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urbanization is arguably the biggest threat to birds, along with climate change,” said Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech.
In addition to these factors, Dayer said cats and window collisions play a role in their deaths. Cats are estimated to kill more than 2.4 billion birds annually in the U.S. and Canada. Up to one billion birds die each year after hitting windows, according to a study.
LIST: Winter bird species to look for in Virginia
To help reverse the decline, Dayer shared the following recommendations:
- Keep cats indoors. Cats instinctively hunt and kill birds, even when well-fed.
- Make windows safer for birds. They perceive reflections in glass as a habitat they can fly into. Experts recommend installing screens or using film/paint to break up reflections.
- Grow native plants to make yards or land a better habitat for birds.
- Drink bird-friendly coffee to ensure tropical habitat is not lost. The coffee is certified organic and it is cultivated specifically to maintain bird habitats instead of clearing vegetation that birds and other wildlife rely on.
- Participate in studies about birds. Project Feederwatch and eBird provide opportunities for the public and lead to conservation science discoveries.