This is one of the more common and frustrating calls we receive: “I found an egg and I’m going to hatch it!” This usually happens when someone finds an egg on the ground and determines— often incorrectly— that it fell or blew out of a nest. Taking an egg out of nature and trying toContinue reading “Don’t Hatch an Egg Found on the Ground!”
Tag Archives: birds
Don’t Rescue Native Prey from Native Predators
We were on the fence about sharing this story, because we know there are people who will be offended and upset by our advice to sometimes let nature be nature. But we feel we have an obligation to advocate for wildlife even when our advice is upsetting or unpopular. So here’s a true story thatContinue reading “Don’t Rescue Native Prey from Native Predators”
No Milk for Baby Birds
As we get closer to baby bird season, please help spread the word that orphan birds should never be given any kind of milk! This is extremely dangerous, because birds are not made to digest milk of any kind. A surprising number of people find baby birds and want to help by feeding them. MostContinue reading “No Milk for Baby Birds”
Confused Birds: Not Miracles or Social Media Accessories
Social media can be both a very good thing and a very bad thing for wildlife. One of the most unfortunate trends we’ve seen over the last few years involves people taking videos and photos with seriously injured birds while declaring the unfortunate animal’s behavior miraculous. We’re not here to knock anyone’s spiritual beliefs, butContinue reading “Confused Birds: Not Miracles or Social Media Accessories”
A Bird Hit My Window. What Now?
“A bird hit my window!” This is one of the most common wildlife emergencies people encounter. Windows strikes are a common cause of death and injury among native birds, but the good news is that they can sometimes be treated and can usually be prevented. You may notice a window-struck bird because you see itContinue reading “A Bird Hit My Window. What Now?”
Native Bird Nests are Legally Protected
We received a frustrating— and all-too-common— call yesterday. After barn swallows chose an apartment complex in Red Bank to raise their young, management hired a crew to pressure-wash the nests away, resulting in the deaths of many innocent baby birds. The few survivors were picked up by a caring tenant, who we referred to aContinue reading “Native Bird Nests are Legally Protected”
Songbird Fever in Cats: A Warning
Have you seen the warnings we’ve posted about the salmonella epidemic affecting songbirds? There’s another side of it too, and it’s one I have firsthand experience with. I hope that this warning might save both birds and cats. This is my daughter, and this is her best friend, Happy. As an advocate for both wildlifeContinue reading “Songbird Fever in Cats: A Warning”
Litter isn’t Nesting Material for Birds
As we get closer to spring, you‘ll likely start seeing memes and blogs suggesting that you help birds build their nests by leaving materials like yarn, string, human hair, and pet hair outside. Please, please don’t do this! Wild birds don’t need help to find nesting materials. They’re everywhere and birds instinctively know where toContinue reading “Litter isn’t Nesting Material for Birds”
Checking on Bird Nest Boxes
Are you one of the amazing people who helps bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds by providing them with nest boxes? Excellent! Please be careful so that your efforts to help dont accidentally harm. While a lot of bird enthusiasts like to watch for signs of predators, parasites, and competitors, there can still be dangerContinue reading “Checking on Bird Nest Boxes”
Nandina Berries Kill Birds in Winter
Nandina is one of the most common ornamental plants in our area. It’s marketed under many names, including “heavenly bamboo,” but it is neither heavenly nor bamboo. It’s a highly invasive and poisonous domestic plant that can kill animals in your neighborhood. Nandina owes its popularity to the fact that it’s a brightly colored evergreenContinue reading “Nandina Berries Kill Birds in Winter”