#39 Conservation Tip: Birds on the Road

Michigan has a Common Loon, New Jersey has a Red-headed Woodpecker, Minnesota has a Black-capped Chickadee, Texas has a Great Blue Heron, Oklahoma has a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Pennsylvania has a Saw-whet Owl, and West Virginia has a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. What are these stately connections? Conservation License plates!

Proceeds from the sale of wildlife conservation license plates, which only cost a few extra dollars, benefit state non-game wildlife programs, and go a long way to raising substantial dollars each year. Next time your vehicle registration comes up for renewal, consider purchasing one of these.

photo © adrian binns

#38 Conservation Tip: Report Banded Birds

There’s something exciting about seeing a banded bird, knowing that someone has taken information about that particular individual, hoping to find out where it has travelled or how long it lives.

If you see a banded bird – a goose, sandpiper or maybe a raptor - take careful note of the band(s). On which leg is the band? What color is it? If there are letters or numbers, write them down in careful order. Also note the date, time and location of your finding. If you know the bird’s gender or age, be sure to note that too.

Scientists band a whole lot of birds, but get back only a small percentage of data for their efforts. You are greatly helping the cause of research to report your findings. Report data to the national Bird Banding Lab, website: www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/

photo © adrian binns

#37 Optics Tip: Keep Binoculars around your Neck

Do not swing your binoculars by the strap, as the strap may break causing the optics to fly onto the ground. Your optics are a serious investment, and should always be handled carefully. Always have the strap over your neck.

photo © adrian binns

#36 Conservation Tip: Save on Plastic Bottles

For day or multi-day car trips, save on plastic, by bringing your own water bottle and purchasing gallon water jugs to refill your personal container.

This is another way to help the environment by using far less plastic.

photo © adrian binns

#35 Field Tip: Rescuing an Injured Bird

If you find an injured bird contact your local or nearest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. They will be able to care for the bird and release it when it is healthy.

Sadly this Peregrine Falcon that was hit by a vehicle. In spite of surgery to his wing he was unable to make a full recovery, and he is now part of a WRC educational program.

Note, many baby birds are not in need of any help. See June 2010 Tip #1 on “Baby Birds Leave Them Be.”

photo © adrian binns

#34 Conservation Tip: Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) engages people of all ages to count birds in their local community. Birders of many skill levels, from beginning to advanced, are encouraged to join in this annual 4-day event, which provides important real-time data of bird populations and locations throughout North America.

Count your backyard feeder, or gather friends together to explore a favorite birding locale. The GBBC provides an opportunity for students and community groups to organize educational programs or fundraising around the event, while making an important contribution to scientific databases.

The 2011 GBBC takes place Friday February 18 through Monday, February 21 - you can count for as little as 15 minutes, or many hours for each of the 4 days. It’s free, fun and helps the birds! For more details, go to the GBBC website: www.birdsource.org/gbbc/

photo © adrian binns

#33 Backyard Tip: Create a Wildlife Habitat

Your backyard will become a haven for wildlife if it contains the 4 essentials that all animals need: water, food, cover, and nesting places.

Install a birdbath or small pond to provide water for drinking and bathing.

Plant as much native vegetation as possible, including trees, shrubs and perennials that produce berries, nuts and seeds. Bird feeders can supplement native plants. Native plants can also provide cover for protection against predators and the elements. Add brush piles and rocks for additional options. 

Birdhouses provide safe places for cavity nesting birds to raise their young.

Your local Audubon chapter or National Wildlife Federation  are among the many organizations that can provide additional details about creating wildlife habitats. Doing so will provide a lifetime of enjoyment for yourself, and a critical benefit for wildlife.

photo © adrian binns