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PART I. ATTRACTING BIRDS
Q: How do I attract birds to my yard?
A: Rather than feeding birds, try planting shrubs and
trees that are native to your area. Check the phone book for
nurseries that carry "native plants", or visit your local
botanical garden during a plant sale.
FEEDING BIRDS
Q: Is it safe to feed
my hummingbirds nectar with red dye?
A: Current thinking is that the red dye may not be
good for them, nor is it necessary to attract hummingbirds.
The color on your feeder is enough to attract them. You can
mix your own nectar using 1/4 cup sugar to every 1 cup of
water.
Q: Should I take my
hummingbird feeder indoors during cold weather?
A: Unless you live in an area where the temperature
is below freezing during most of the day, you probably don't
need to do this. Since bird feeding has always been more
prevalent in the eastern U.S., much of the traditional
advice applies better to the East than the West. Three
species of hummingbirds, Anna's, Costa's and Allen's, are
year round residents across large parts of the state.
Q: What is safe to feed my backyard birds?
A: Most of the pre-packaged wild birdseed and suet
cakes are a favorite among backyard birds. This mixture can
be obtained from most grocery stores, pet stores or Wild
Bird Centers (1-800-WILD BIRD).
Q: How can I identify what kinds of birds are in my
yard?
A: The best way is to purchase a bird identification
book. The National Audubon Society has a Field Guide to
North American Birds for the Western and Eastern regions.
These books include color photographs and descriptions of
the birds you may find in your backyard. One particularly
good source for bird books is the Los Angeles Audubon
Society Bookstore (323) 876-0202
PART II. INJURED OR SICK BIRDS
Audubon California is a conservation organization, and is not equipped to take injured animals or to give advice on their care
Q: What do I do if I
find an injured bird?
A: First, make sure that it's injured! Many birds become exhausted during migration (spring and fall), and trying to help is not recommended. If a bird is obviously hurt (e.g. broken wing), the best solution is to make the animal as comfortable as possible and call your local humane society or wildlife care center for directions and/or pick up.
Information on baby bird care may be found here Pomona Valley Audubon Society.
If you find a dead bird in good condition that you suspect may have died of West Nile Virus:
Please call: 1-800-WNV-BIRD For truly injured birds, see a list of Rehabilitators. Here is a list of some wildlife rehabilitation centers:
Southern California Wildlife Rehabbers:
San Gabriel Valley
Judy Everett, Wild Wings of California
San Dimas
909-592-4900
raptornut@aol.com
Specialties: Passerines, non-passerines, and raptors
Long Beach/”South Bay”
All Wildlife Rescue and Education
Long Beach
562-434-0141
recovery@awre.org
South Bay Wildlife Rehab
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-378-9921
Specialties: All native Calif. birds, esp. babies; orphaned
native small mammals
Malibu/Pacific Palisades
Malibu Wildlife Center and Emergency Response
Malibu
310-457-WILD
Specialty: Marine mammal rescue
Topanga Animal Rescue
Topanga (only)
310-455-4088
kenmazur@earthlink.net
Specialties: birds and small mammals (can
stabilize/transport large mammals), veterinary technician
(ER/critical care)
Orange County (north):
Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center of Orange County
Huntington Beach
714-374-5587
Gorman9122@aol.com
Specialties: avian (especially seabirds), small mammals, and oiled birds
Orange County (south)
Linda Evans, Pacific Wildlife Project
Laguna Beach
714-831-1178
lin4pelican@earthlink.net
Specialties: pelicans, seabirds, waterbirds, songbirds
Ventura/Santa Barbara
Wildlife Care of Ventura County
Thousand Oaks
805-498-8653
Wildlife Care of Ventura County
Ventura
805-667-4878
Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
Santa Barbara
805-966-0023
armann@silcom.com
Specialties: seabirds, songbirds, and small mammals
Bird of Prey Preservation Program
Santa Barbara
805-966-0568
ccholley@emailmsn.com
Specialties: we have rehabbed raptors, sea birds, mammals,
songbirds Indio/Palm Springs
Morongo Basin Wildlife Rehab. Station
Morongo Valley
760- 363-1966
byrdman@telis.org
Specialty: birds
Kern County
Facility for Animal Care
& Treatment
California State University, Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Hwy.
Bakersfield, CA 93311
661-664-3167
Specialty: raptors Bay Area Wildlife Rehabbers:
Marin
Wildcare
San Raphael
http://www.wildcaremarin.org/hosp/rehab.htm
East Bay
Lindsay Museum/Wildlife Hospital
http://www.wildlife-museum.org/ Seabirds only
International Bird Rescue Research Center
http://www.ibrrc.org/
PART III. BIRD PESTS
Q: What is that bird
that sings all night, and how can I make it go away?
A: This is a Northern Mockingbird, a common urban
bird in most of California. They are highly territorial (and
vocal), particularly during the spring and summer. The
mockingbird may be trying to attract a mate or defend the
territory around its nest from potential predators. If
you've tried to scare it away but can't, you might have to
wait until fall. Otherwise, some people have suggested
hanging pie tins in the tree where the mockingbird sings.
Q: How do I keep birds from flying into my windows?
A: The birds are seeing a reflection of the place
where they want to be (trees, flowers, etc.). Impede this
reflection by putting things in the window sill or by
hanging Mylar strips just outside the window. The birds will
see the moving strips and will not be tempted to fly into
them.
Q: Each year, it seems like I see more and more
crows. Are they increasing in the area?
A: The American Crow used to be (early 1900s) a
fairly common summer resident in river valleys in coastal
California and the Central Valley. During recent decades,
their numbers have exploded, largely thanks to their ability
to exploit features of the urban environment (esp. garbage),
and because people no longer shoot them (a common practice
50 years ago). Though a native species, they have reached
pest status, and have been linked to increased predation of
nestlings (baby birds in nests) throughout the U.S.
Q: Why are birds dive-bombing me or my cat - and
should I be afraid?
A: Your yard is probably host to a nesting pair of
Northern Mockingbirds or Western Scrub-Jays, two highly
territorial birds that are common city dwellers. They do not
pose a danger to you or your loved ones (including your
pets), but are just annoying. Fortunately, this sort of
behavior should cease once the birds have stopped nesting
(late summer), and you'll be able to walk outside in peace.
Q: How do I keep pigeons from nesting in my roof?
A: Just like bees and wasps, the best way to get rid
of them is to block their access. Figure out where they're
entering (often air vents or crevices), and use mesh or
chicken wire to cover up the holes.
PART IV. PEOPLE PESTS
Q: Someone's trimming a tree outside my window that is used by hawks and owls. What can I do?
A: Regular maintenance of trees need not conflict
with wildlife, and there are many laws and ordinances at
your disposal. First, ascertain who is doing the cutting. Is
it the city? the county? the power company? Start making
calls yourself, preferably to a community outreach
specialist at the appropriate agency or company. Much of the
maintenance work in your area is probably contracted out,
and there's generally no follow-up to see if the work is
being done in an environmentally sensitive manner. Note that
the people on the ground doing the work will probably have
little sympathy for your opinion. If your calls are being
ignored, contact a local wildlife agency (e.g. California
Department of Fish and Game) or a conservation organization,
such as your local Audubon chapter.
PART V. NESTS, NESTLINGS, AND NESTING
Q: What do I do if a
bird has fallen out of its nest?
A: It is natural for nestlings to jump out of the
nest just before they can fly, and for the parents to bring
them food during this period. Is is also perfectly natural
for the parents to remove very young birds that are not
thriving. If the adults are in the area (and sound
agitated), just back off and let them take care of the young
bird. Secure pets indoors during this time. If there are
cats and dogs around that you cannot secure, gently pick up
the bird and place it in a box or basket. Try locating the
nest and place it back in as best you can. If you cannot
find the nest, leave the young bird in a box or basket and
place out of reach of predators and let the parents continue
to feed their young.
Q: What do I do about birds building a nest in an
inappropriate place on my property?
A: The best advice is to stop this process as soon as
it starts. Remove the nest materials by hand or with a hose,
making sure not to injure any nearby wildlife.
CAUTION: This action is only
appropriate in the beginning stages of nest building. If
nesting has already begun, it is against the law to injure or
disturb wildlife.
Q: How long is the incubation period for my backyard
birds? How long until the young ones leave the nest?
A: The length of time varies from species to species.
Here are a few common birds:
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Western Scrub Jay:
16 days incubation; 18 days until young first
fly |
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House
Finch:
12-16
days incubation; 11-19 days until young first fly |
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American Robin:
12-14 days incubation; 14-16 days until young
first fly |
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Nuttall's Woodpecker:
14 days
incubation; 29 until young first fly |
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American Crow:
18 days
incubation; 28-35 days until first
flight |
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Mourning Dove:
17-19
days incubation; 35-37 days until young first fly |
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Anna's Hummingbird:
14-18 days incubation; 18-21 days until
young first fly |
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Black Phoebe:
15-17
days incubation; 20-21 days until young first fly |
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Northern Mockingbird:
12 days incubation; 10-12 days until young first
fly |
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Cliff
Swallow:
12-16
days incubation; 23 days until young first fly |
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Photos courtesy Alison Sheehey © Nature Ali |
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