How to Protect Backyard Birds from Predators: Provide a Safe Haven for Birds

Most songbirds live less than two years, because of harsh winters and backyard predators. Birds in general are at risk from menaces such as cats, and squirrels.

Everyone must do their part to protect backyard birds from predators. When homeowners encourage birds to visit their backyards, they often overlook the fact that they are providing an easy meal for predators. Along with the privilege of enjoying the sight of these beautiful members of the animal kingdom comes responsibility. Homeowners who encourage birds to visit must do everything in their power to provide a safe haven for them.

Predatory Birds

Falcons and hawks swoop down on their prey and will catch them in midair. Many falcons are known for their preferred prey. The merlin falcon is known as the pigeon hawk, and the perenine falcon is called the duck hawk. Falcons also feed on backyard birds. According to scientists,a breeding pair of falcons may need to kill as many as 2,000 small birds to raise their family. Yes, those colorful feathered baby birds that show up in the spring, are part of the food chain. Adult falcons are just doing what every other parent does: providing for their families.

credit

The crow family (corvids) are a danger to nesting birds throughout the world. In the springtime, they raid songbirds' nests to steal eggs and nestlings. Jays and magpies are just as destructive.

To increase the backyard birds' chances for survival from predatory birds, provide a thick covering such as shrubs and hedges, although this doesn't protect them from cats or dogs. A better solution would be to put wire mesh over the entrance to the shrub or bush after the eggs are laid in the nest and incubating. Doing so before, may create a danger that the mother bird might abandon the nest. Make sure to leave a small opening in the covering for the mother to enter.

If there are woodpeckers in the area, enclosed nest boxes should be protected by backing the nest hole with a metal plate drilled with a similar sized hole. Woodpeckers have been known to drill into the nest boxes with their long, sharp bills or reach inside to steal nestlings.

Rats, Mice, and Squirrels

Rats and mice will steal and eat birds' eggs when given the opportunity. Always store bird, cat and dog food in tightly sealed containers if left outside. These rodents are always on the look-out for surplus food and will help themselves to birds' eggs while their at it.

credit

Squirrels are acrobatic rodents and can easily raid bird feeders, nests and tables. Mounting the table on plastic drainpipes (PVC) will create a slippery surface that squirrels, rats and cats can't climb. Squirrel resistant feeders can also be purchased. Again, covering the feeder with a strong wire cage can help out-smart the squirrels.

Cats

The feral and domestic cat are the biggest threat to backyard birds. Unlike other predators, cats kill adult birds which is more likely to have an impact on bird populations. Cat owners should put a bell on the cat's collar to alert the birds to the intruder. A pet dog, let out at the same time as the cat will also serve as a deterrent. Of course, if it's a bird dog, this might add double jeopardy. Birds feed in the morning so it is best to keep both cats and dogs inside at that time.

credit

It is against the law in North America, Great Britain, and other European Countries to kill, injure, or capture wild birds, or to remove or destroy their eggs. Contact an organization such as the American Bird Conservancy if you see or suspect someone is killing or trapping birds or stealing eggs.

Humans have encroached on the birds' natural habitat. If we are to share that habitat with them, we must all do our part to protect these beautiful animals from every kind of predator. Once a genus or species of bird is obliterated it is gone forever, meaning future generations will not have the privilege of enjoying them. Therefore, keep the cat indoors, and build safe feeders to protect backyard birds from predators.