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  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Mission and Vision Statement
    • Equality and Diversity Policy
    • Annual Report
    • BSBO Board of Directors
    • BSBO Staff
    • BSBO's Visitors' Center >
      • Visit BSBO
      • Anna Macke Mikolajczyk Window On Wildlife
      • John Gallagher Memorial Birding Trail
    • eNews
    • BSBO Videos >
      • BSBO's 20th Anniversary by Deb Neidert
    • BSBO Blogs >
      • Kenn Kaufman's Crane Creek - Magee Birding Blog
      • BSBO Bird Bander's Blog
      • BSBO Education and Outreach Blog
    • Contact Us
  • Support BSBO
    • Donate
    • Join or Renew
    • Sponsor A Mist Net
    • Year-End Appeal
    • Help BSBO while you shop
    • Our Wish List
    • Birds and Business Alliance
  • RESEARCH
    • Peer-Reviewed Publications
    • Passerines >
      • Passerine Research
      • Prothonotary Warbler Research
      • Building Collision Study
      • Oak Openings
    • Project SNOWstorm >
      • About Project SNOWstorm
      • Meet Buckeye
      • Meet Wolverine
    • Northern Saw-whet Owls
    • Research Highlights >
      • Gray-Cheeked Thrush from Colombia, South America
      • BSBO Bird Bander's Blog
    • Past Research >
      • Colonial Wading Birds
      • Ohio Winter Bird Atlas
      • Shorebirds
    • Reports >
      • Navarre Marsh Annual Banding and Survey Data
      • Annual Project Reports
    • Research Volunteer Form
    • Research Volunteer Page
  • EDUCATION
    • Bird Migration Profiles
    • Family Activities >
      • Free Online Resources
    • Young Birders >
      • Ohio Young Birders Club
      • Young Birders Network
      • Youth Birding Camps
    • Teachers >
      • Songbird Banding and Migration Programs
      • Students Against Balloon Releases
    • Group Programs >
      • Presentations by Request
    • BSBO Bird Knowins
  • Conservation
    • BioBlitzes
    • Bird-safe / Birder-friendly Communities
    • Responsible Wind Energy
    • Conservation Updates
    • Position Statement on Feral and Free-Ranging Cats
    • Habitat Designations
    • Easy Ways for YOU to Support Conservation
    • Breeding Bird Surveys
  • EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
    • Birds at Home
    • Highway Clean-up
    • BSBO's Biggest Week In American Birding
  • NW OHIO BIRDING
    • Responsible Owl Viewing
    • Magee Marsh WA Closures
    • Kenn Kaufman's Crane Creek - Magee Birding Blog
    • Local Birding Hotspots
    • Local eBird Tips
    • Regional Bird Checklist
    • Timing of Spring Migration
    • Timing of Fall Migration
    • Timing of Fall Shorebird Migration
    • ABA Code of Birding Ethics
    • Ohio Bird Alpha Codes
    • Birder Calling Cards
    • Birding Ohio

Simple Things You Can Do to Help Birds

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CONNECT KIDS (OF ALL AGES!) WITH NATURE

The future of bird conservation depends on people caring about birds and the natural world. With each passing day, advancements in technology in our ever-changing world are pulling kids further and further from time outdoors. 

Devote a few minutes to take your kids out for a walk. Volunteer to lead nature hikes for kids at a nature center, for your local Audubon Chapter, for your family and friends. You don't have to be an expert to take people on a bird walk.  All you have to have is enthusiasm; the birds will do the rest!

If you're interested but still uncertain abut the best way to go about it, here are some great tips on How to take someone on their first bird walk.


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BUY CONSERVATION STAMPS 

Purchase the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp 
a.k.a. the Duck Stamp ($25) 


Since the 1930s, the Federal Duck Stamps have contributed over $850 million and have helped to protect 5.5 million acres of habitat for wildlife and future generations. Buying the stamp is perhaps the single simplest thing individuals can do to support a legacy of wetland and grassland conservation for birds. Virtually all the stamp proceeds ($.98 of every $1) go to help secure valuable Refuge System habitats. 

We feel strongly that every birder should purchase a Duck Stamp to...
1) support this important habitat conservation program; and, 
2) provide proof that birders will voluntarily purchase this stamp in order to support the resource.

You can purchase your NEW Duck Stamp HERE via PayPal, by calling the BSBO office at 419 898-4070 to order over the phone.


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OHIO WILDLIFE LEGACY STAMP ($15) 

Buying this collectible wildlife stamp will show you support for:
  • habitat restoration, land purchases and conservation easements
  • endangered & threatened native species
  • educational products for students and wildlife enthusiasts
  • wildlife and habitat research projects

    The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp is available for purchase in the Black Swamp Bird Observatory Gift Shop. Or, you may purchase your stamp today using PayPal HERE by calling the BSBO office at 419 898-4070 to order over the phone.


KEEP CATS INDOORS 

From our Partners at American Bird Conservancy
Domestic cats (Felis catus) can provide excellent companionship and make wonderful pets. But when allowed to roam outdoors, this non-native, invasive species threatens the welfare of birds and other wildlife and endangers the integrity of the ecosystems into which domestic cats are introduced.

Domestic cats are recognized as a threat to global biodiversity. Cats have contributed to the extinction of 33 species across the world and continue to adversely impact a wide variety of species, including those that are threatened or endangered. The ecological dangers are so critical that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now lists domestic cats as one of the world’s worst non-native invasive species.

In the U.S., free-roaming domestic cats kill an estimated 1.4-3.7 billion birds and 6.9-20.7 billion mammals. The sheer quantity of cat-caused mortality is staggering. For perspective, consider that 1.4 billion is equivalent to the entire human population of China, the most populous country in the world. As the number of cats continues to grow and owners continue to allow their pets to roam, harmful impacts will surely increase.
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KEEP CATS INDOORS! 


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Great Blue Heron with fishing line wrapped around its bill
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Simple Fishing Line Receptacle
PICK UP DISCARDED FISHING LINE

Every year, thousands of birds become entangled in abandoned fishing line and die from drowning, starvation, dehydration or strangulation; sometimes these animals struggle for days before they die. How You Can HelpBecause fishing line is such a potent hazard to birds, it is imperative that it be properly cleaned up and safely disposed of. Whether or not you fish, you can always help.

Here's a wonderful short clip featuring this issue from our friends at Cleveland's WKYC Channel 3. 

From HOW FISHING LINE HURTS BIRDS by Melissa Mayntz
  • Remove any discarded line you come across, or any line that breaks when you are fishing.
  • Look for tangles whenever you are birding in a riparian area that is open to fishing.
  • Organize a fishing line collection from your local birding club, school group or service group.
  • Carry small scissors at all times in order to cut line free if you do find it.
  • Contact bird rescue organizations if you find a tangled bird so it can get help quickly.
  • Only fish in authorized areas where the risk of line tangling in trees or brush is minimal.
  • Use the proper fishing line weight and tackle when fishing to minimize the risk of breakage.
  • Share information about how fishing line hurts birds with other fishers so they can take appropriate steps to safeguard wildlife.
Fishing line may itself be lightweight, but it is a heavy risk to many types of birds. Understanding those risks is the first step in being able to help keep birds and other wildlife safe in fishing areas.

                                   Read Melissa's article, HERE.

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DRINK BIRD-FRIENDLY COFFEE

Drinking certified bird-friendly coffee is an easy (and tasty!) way to support bird habitat conservation. To read more about how drinking shade-grown coffee helps migratory birds, please click HERE. 

BSBO is happy to recommend BIRDS & BEANS for your certified bird-friendly coffee choice. 

Birds & Beans
We want to make sure that people who enjoy coffee and care about conservation can get great coffee that they know is good for bird conservation, family farmers and the environment. Our commitment to quality and service ensures that fresh roasted, great tasting ‘Birds & Beans the good coffee’™ fly’s straight to your door and into your cup. For more information or to order, click here. 

"I'm enthusiastic about 'Birds & Beans the good coffee'™ because I think this could be the initiative that actually connects the dots and makes something happen. And it gives me a chance to work with great people on a worthwhile project; I feel blessed to be involved.” ~Kenn Kaufman


PictureGuillemot killed by balloon litter
DON'T RELEASE BALLOONS AND SKY LANTERNS

All released balloons, including those falsely marketed as “biodegradable latex”, return to Earth as ugly litter. They kill countless animals & cause dangerous power outages. Balloons are also a waste of Helium, a finite resource. Balloons can travel thousands of miles & pollute the most remote & pristine places.

A simple search on the internet reveals a startling number of graphic photos (like the one of the Guillemot (pictured to the left) hanging from the fence after becoming entangled in balloons and strings). 

Please, do not release ballons and sky lanterns. Learn more about this issue by visiting www.balloonsblow.org


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JOIN THE BSBO FLOCK!  
Black Swamp Bird Observatory operates primarily through the generosity of its members and donors. Joining the BSBO team by becoming a member is a great way to support the Observatory's work and stay in touch with our mission. In return, we offer our members discounts in our gift shop, our bi-annual BSBO News, discounts on field trips, events, and the Biggest Week In American Birding, and the reward of knowing that you're helping the birds by supporting a good cause!   

​Join HERE! 



© 2023 www.bsbo.org 
All rights reserved

The mission of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory is to inspire the appreciation, enjoyment, 
and conservation of birds and their habitats through research, education, and outreach.


We are located at the entrance of the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
| 13551 W. State Route 2  |  Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449  |  419.898.4070  |