Making your place bird safe.

Provide the birds with protective covers. Most of the wild birds feel save when they are not in open and plant a variety of plants, shrubs and trees. It is preferable if conifers, grasses, legumes, nectar-producing plants, all season plants, nuts and acorn plants are planted.

Provide nesting material so that the birds can raise their family. If the yard has safe nest sites and adequate construction material, it will be more attractive to wild birds.

Millions of birds are killed every year crashing into windows. It seems that free flight hits are mostly associated with spring and fall migration. To help birds see the windows place aluminum strips on the outside of the window. Screens on windows help to cloud the window so wild birds can see that it is not a clear path through.

Feeders should be cleaned regularly with hot water. Let them air dry completely and keep them full of fresh seed to prevent disease. If there are a lot of birds feeding close together they may become stressed, which can help advance disease if it is in the area. Providing clean birdbaths is also very important with fresh and clean water.

Carbon monoxide is the "silent killer." It is an odorless, tasteless gas given off by fuel-fired appliances. It kills by displacing oxygen in the lungs. Since birds breathe so many times faster than human do (up to 45 times a minute, and the fact that their lungs allow them to take in oxygen, or lack of oxygen, on both inhale and exhale, it is vitally important that they not be exposed to carbon monoxide.) so it important that all the fuel- fired appliances must be checked regularly for flame adjustments.

There is also such a thing as keeping out that which will keep the birds away. Neighborhood pets or packs of dogs can scare away birds you want to frequent your back or front yard. Have neighbors keep pets inside, caged or on leashes and report wild predators to the dog warden or game control or to the police. Some birds themselves may not get along well with others. Some types may not be appropriate to attract if you have small children and some you may not want in any case. Know the habits and natures of these winged animals before you shape your environment with them. You have to be comfortable having them around too.