Help Wild Birds

Please share. Most of the baby birds we get in at www.helpwildbirds.org are because of cat attacked parents or baby birds from pulled down nests by an outdoor cat. Even nests in wreaths or flower pots are pulled down!
Did you know cats can jump up to 10 feet in the air?
That means even your nestboxes may not be safe as cats can jump and often catch a parent bird as it flys in (or out) to feed it's babies.
We get in a lot of adult birds that were cat caught while trying to feed their babies, especially bluebirds.
Birds aren't safe anymore because of the growing number of free roaming cats left outside.
So build a catio, get cat proof fencing for your yard, or just keep your cat indoors!
Safer for birds
Safer for your cat too!
Please share this message from

500 Trips to Build a Home. One Tuesday Afternoon to End It.
She made 500 exhausting trips to weave her nest, twig by twig. On the fifth day, a neighbor’s roaming cat was silently waiting on her landing branch.

We view outdoor cats as harmless, natural predators simply living out their instincts.

In reality, domestic cats are an introduced super-predator. Right now in April, native cavity-nesters like the Carolina Wren (Status: Secure) are fiercely building nests to raise their first spring broods. Because they evolved without domestic felines, these tiny birds have zero biological defense against them. Free-roaming cats kill up to 4 billion birds annually in the U.S., driving localized ecological collapse.

Wrens are vital, interconnected pest controllers. They tirelessly hunt spiders, caterpillars, and beetles to feed their chicks, keeping suburban insect populations naturally balanced. When a cat destroys a nesting female, it permanently fractures that local food web.

You can stop this preventable loss today. Keep your cats indoors, build them a secure outdoor "catio," or supervise their outside time.

She made 500 trips to build a future. Keep your cat inside, and let her live to see day seven.

LESSON FOR THE DAY - Planting native plants that birds will eat or drink nectar from will help you save money in the long run and is a much better way to survive.
We as a society have planted so many invasive plants and trees that birds are loosing their natural habitat.
So make an effort this spring (and summer and fall) to plant only native plants and trees that will attract birds, butterflies and bees.
It's a small thing to do but it will make a difference when you plant only native plants on your property and encourage your localities to only plant natives.
Lists per region are found on many websites.
We will post some links in the comments below.

From all the birds and myself, the Director at Help Wild Birds, may your holidays be filled with joy and happiness.
Thank you for your kind messages and well wishes.
May you be blessed with good health and kindness and much happiness in the new year.
Our love to you all for your support because !
~ 💝 Maureen
🦉🕊🦉🐣🐦🦆🐧🐥🦜

For Virginia residents or visitors.

PRESS RELEASE: DWR ASKING PUBLIC TO REPORT AFTER INCREASE IN SUSPECTED CASES OF AVIAN INFLUENZA

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has recently received reports of groups of dead black vultures across the state including several counties in Southwest Virginia. Preliminary testing indicates that the likely cause is H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Although disease activity is currently centered in black vultures, with migration season beginning, it is likely there will be mortalities in other bird species as well.

DWR asks that if you observe any of the following, please notify the Department by calling the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or emailing [email protected].

💔 Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in the same area within five days
💔 Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, or turkeys, excluding ones found on the road
💔 Ten or more dead wild birds of any species in the same area within five days

The public is advised to avoid picking up or handling sick or dead wild birds. If you must dispose of a dead bird on your property, wear rubber gloves and other personal protective equipment, such as a mask and eye protection. Dead birds should be buried or double bagged and disposed of in a secured outdoor trash can or landfill. After disposing of the carcass, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and disinfect clothing, and shoes. If you are frequently in contact with poultry, including backyard flocks, or other domesticated birds, you are encouraged to have separate clothing and shoes for use in the areas where you keep those birds. In addition, keep flocks away from vultures and ponds or similar bodies of water that are also accessible to wild waterfowl. Taking these precautions will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

If you develop any flu-like symptoms after handling wild birds (fever, body aches, red or itchy eyes, etc.), contact your state or local health department.

Find more info on Avian Influenza at the link in the comments.

LESSON FOR TODAY ~ Please prevent this from happening! 😪
These are photos of a Carolina wren that was raised on kitten chow and dog food and a little of some Kaytee hand feeding formula for the last two weeks (or more.)
This bird can't put weight at all on one foot and the other foot was failing too. When the bird is being held you can feel its bones breaking. It's horrific what condition this bird is in and how sad since this was so preventable.
Unfortunately this is what often happens to birds not fed any of the correct food or nutrition needed for raising (any species) of bird from a nestling.
Look at how bad those feathers are! Poor bird is suffering.
This is why we liscenced bird rehabilitators ask the public to bring a baby bird to a liscenced wildlife rehabilitator that rehabs birds. (Preferably one that specializes in birds only.) We know the proper diet of all the native birds in our area.
Dr. "Goggle" and some Veterinarian websites that give information don't know what to do.
The advice may sound ok but is that really what that species of bird actually eats in the wild?
So prevent birds from suffering like this poor bird that has metabolic bone disease and will not survive. Please take time, (right now!) to locate the closest bird rehabilitator to you so you know who to call for help. You can use www.animalhelpnow.org or look on your state's website for a lost of wildlife rehabilitators.
Don't trust uTube videos, Google or even some websites to give you the correct advice.
Every bird requires a specific diet and obviously this wren didn't get what it needed to be healthy and survive.
We are extremely sad about this bird's misfortune.
Learn more at www.helpwildbirds.org