How Can You Help Birds?

Two-thirds of North America’s birds are at risk due to rising temperatures and human impact on the planet. A published study found that nearly 3 billion birds have disappeared on the continent since 1970. Now, the National Audubon Society has followed up with increasingly alarming news. Scientists collected 140 million records from biologists and bird watchers to determine where 604 bird species live now. The scientists then used climate models to figure out how the range of each species was likely to shift as climate change and other human influences continued.

The report found that 64% of bird species (about 389 of 604) were moderately or highly vulnerable to climate change, and vulnerabilities often depend on habitats, for example, about 100% of arctic bird species, and 98% of boreal forest birds. About 86% of western forest birds and 78% of waterbirds were vulnerable to climate change. Birds least at risk included those found in marshes (41%) and urban or suburban areas (38%). However, even in groups that did not Not at risk: More than a quarter were considered at risk from climate change.

The researchers detailed the findings along with maps and information on bird species in the report. About 389 bird species are on the verge of danger, and about two-thirds of American birds are threatened with extinction due to climate change, but reducing global temperatures will help up to 76 percent of them. There is hope in this report, but first, it will break your heart. If you care about birds, during the statement that tells us about the ecosystems we share with them, there is an emergency.

Along with the report, the National Audubon Society has provided a vital tool so you can see what impacts climate change will have in your area and which bird species will be affected. We already know what we need to do to limit global warming, and we already have a lot of the tools we need to take those steps. “Now, what we need is more people committed to making sure these solutions are put into practice,” said Renee Stone, Vice President of Climate for the National Audubon Society. “Our elected officials at every level of government must hear from their constituents that this is a priority.” National is committed to protecting the places birds need them now and in the future and taking action to address the root causes of climate change.

You can help our avian friends and attract more birds to your yard by adding trees, shrubs, and other native plants that offer food and protection, but the National Audubon Society also identifies five bigger ways you can help birds survive through your actions in…

Home and the invitation to the spaces they call home, which are:

1- Reduce energy use at home and ask elected officials to support energy saving policies.

2- Ask elected officials to expand clean energy development such as solar or wind energy.

3- Reducing carbon pollution released into the atmosphere. To reduce carbon emissions, there are innovative solutions such as setting a clean energy standard for generating electricity.

4- Advocate for natural solutions such as protecting forests and grasslands that provide homes for birds and stabilizing native plants to help birds adapt to climate change.

5- Ask elected leaders to be climate and environmental champions