Do you ever wonder about the fate of the delicate feathered creatures that share our world? The alarming truth is that bird populations are facing unprecedented threats, demanding immediate and concerted action from individuals and communities alike.

The plight of birds is multi-faceted, ranging from habitat loss and climate change to direct threats like predation by domestic cats and collisions with buildings. A recent report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Smithsonians Migratory Bird Center estimates that domestic cats, numbering around 150 million in the United States, are responsible for the deaths of up to 3.7 billion birds annually. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for responsible pet ownership, including keeping cats indoors or providing secure outdoor enclosures.

Issue	Details	Impact on Birds
Domestic Cat Predation	Estimated 150 million outdoor cats in the US	Up to 3.7 billion bird deaths per year
National Wildlife Refuge System	Supports over 800 bird species	Key to conserving bird populations and maintaining healthy ecosystems
Economic Activity	Generates $3.2 billion annually	Sustains over 41,000 jobs related to bird conservation and nature
Climate Change	Shifts in bird ranges and migration patterns	Threatens habitats and food sources
Building Collisions	Over 1 billion bird deaths per year in the US	Birds hit windows due to reflections and lights
Coastal Bird Crisis	Seabird and shorebird populations declining	Threatened by climate change, development, overfishing, and pollution

Beyond the threat posed by cats, the destruction and degradation of natural habitats are taking a heavy toll on bird populations. Protecting and expanding the National Wildlife Refuge System is crucial. These public lands support over 800 bird species and generate $3.2 billion in annual economic activity, sustaining more than 41,000 jobs. They are vital for conserving bird populations, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and connecting people with nature. Bird tourism itself can be a potent tool for both conservation and local economic development, supporting the establishment of national networks of birding trails.

Climate change is another significant factor impacting bird populations. Audubon scientists have utilized 140 million observations, recorded by birders and scientists, to map where 604 North American bird species live today, defining their "range." Employing the latest climate models, they project how each species' range will shift as climate change and other human impacts advance. This research highlights the urgent need to address climate change to protect bird habitats and migration patterns.

The Audubon Bird Guide app is a valuable, free resource for bird enthusiasts of all levels. It provides information on over 800 species of North American birds, allowing users to identify birds, track sightings, and explore local birding opportunities. This app is an excellent tool for learning about and appreciating the diversity of avian life around us. You can explore birds around you by posting your photos to the photo feed so other Audubon bird guide users can see your best bird shots, and keeping up with the latest news from the world of birds, science, and conservation.

Everyday actions can make a significant difference in bird conservation. Planting native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers in your yard or community provides essential food and shelter for birds. Shrubs such as spiceberry, American beautyberry, chokecherry, inkberry, and winterberry offer berries high in fat and the nutrients birds need. Consider planting understory trees and shrubs to create a more diverse ecosystem, benefitting not only birds and insects but also the soil and other plants.

Protecting the lands, waters, and shorelines that birds depend on is crucial. Coastal birds are in crisis, threatened by climate change, development, overfishing, and pollution. Seabird populations worldwide have decreased by 70 percent since 1950, and North American shorebird populations have decreased by 70 percent since 1973. Conserving these habitats benefits not only birds but also enhances agricultural productivity by making farm and ranchland more sustainable and boosts local economies through outdoor recreation and tourism.

Collisions with buildings pose another major threat to birds. Research indicates that over 1 billion birds may be killed annually in the U.S. alone due to window collisions. Birds hit buildings at all hours, distracted by bright lights at night and reflections during the day. To mitigate this, consider moving indoor plants away from windows, using window coverings, and turning off unnecessary lights at night. Come up with a plan to make your community safer for birds. Work with your household, school, or local park to take action.

The Bird Migration Explorer is an invaluable tool for understanding the journeys of over 450 bird species and the challenges they face. It allows users to learn about specific species, migratory birds at a particular location, and conservation challenges. The Explorer displays the world's natural phenomena right on your screen, made possible by contributions of tracking data from researchers across many organizations. Boaters and beachgoers should also be aware that birds are nesting at these sites and avoid getting too close.

Earth Day provides a perfect opportunity to get outdoors and explore local wildlife, including birds. Audubon has 41 nature centers around the country offering a wide range of activities for kids and families. However, you don't need to travel far to enjoy wildlife; birds can be found almost anywhere. Participating in citizen science projects, such as bird counts and surveys, helps gather valuable data on bird populations and distributions.

Audubon centers are a cornerstone of education efforts, inspiring generations to learn about and protect birds, wildlife, and the natural world. Protecting waterbird populations has been central to Audubons mission since before the organization's official establishment. The outrage over the slaughter of millions of waterbirds, particularly egrets and other waders, for the millinery trade led to the foundation of the National Audubon Society.

Engaging with your community is essential. Show your community that birds matter. Ask your local leaders what they are doing to protect wildlife in the face of climate change. Share memories of your favorite birds with community groups, or consider a field trip to a local important bird area (IBA) to emphasize the species at home that need our help. Reach more people by writing letters to the editor or articles for local publications. Consider visiting Important Bird Areas (IBAs), sites identified as crucial for bird conservation, to observe and appreciate the diverse avian life they support.

Explore native plant resources to create a native plant garden, which can save money and provide essential resources for birds. If you're already attracting birds using native plants, consider expanding your garden to include a wider variety of species. One of the best ways to attract birds to your yard, windowsill, or a public space is by planting native plants. Native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers provide ideal food and shelter for birds to survive. Planting native plants is among the best ways to support bird conservation. Use this guide to explore the fascinating world of birds and learn more about some of the feathered wildlife that we share the planet with. Learn about local birds and go birding. Different places provide habitat to different birds. Start by learning about birds in your own community and go birding with your friends or family. Noticing birdstheir colors, their shapes, the fact that one of them has been singing outside your window at 3 a.m. for two weeksis the first step into a larger world. Maybe you never learn all their names, but by merely paying attention to birds, you'll start to develop a richer understanding of the natural world around you.

For over 40 years, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act has protected millions of acres of pristine, undeveloped beaches and wetlands across much of the United States. By limiting federal investment in sensitive coastal areas, it saves taxpayers billions of dollars, provides safe habitat for birds and other wildlife, and protects natural storm buffers.

Audubons free bird guide app. By inspiring more people in more places to value and protect the natural world, we are laying the foundation for future conservation.