Help Wild Birds

04/13/2026

Please share. Most of the baby birds we get in at www.helpwildbirds.org are because of cat attacked parents or baby birds from pulled down nests by an outdoor cat. Even nests in wreaths or flower pots are pulled down!
Did you know cats can jump up to 10 feet in the air?
That means even your nestboxes may not be safe as cats can jump and often catch a parent bird as it flys in (or out) to feed it's babies.
We get in a lot of adult birds that were cat caught while trying to feed their babies, especially bluebirds.
Birds aren't safe anymore because of the growing number of free roaming cats left outside.
So build a catio, get cat proof fencing for your yard, or just keep your cat indoors!
Safer for birds
Safer for your cat too!
Please share this message from

500 Trips to Build a Home. One Tuesday Afternoon to End It.
She made 500 exhausting trips to weave her nest, twig by twig. On the fifth day, a neighbor’s roaming cat was silently waiting on her landing branch.

We view outdoor cats as harmless, natural predators simply living out their instincts.

In reality, domestic cats are an introduced super-predator. Right now in April, native cavity-nesters like the Carolina Wren (Status: Secure) are fiercely building nests to raise their first spring broods. Because they evolved without domestic felines, these tiny birds have zero biological defense against them. Free-roaming cats kill up to 4 billion birds annually in the U.S., driving localized ecological collapse.

Wrens are vital, interconnected pest controllers. They tirelessly hunt spiders, caterpillars, and beetles to feed their chicks, keeping suburban insect populations naturally balanced. When a cat destroys a nesting female, it permanently fractures that local food web.

You can stop this preventable loss today. Keep your cats indoors, build them a secure outdoor "catio," or supervise their outside time.

She made 500 trips to build a future. Keep your cat inside, and let her live to see day seven.

04/11/2026

A BIRD IDENTIFICATION TIP~ Is that MY robin?
Very observant people can actually tell one robin from the other. Can you? Did you ever notice that every robin has a unique pattern of white feathers around its eyes? If you focus on that pattern, you can see if it's the same robin that's building a nest, your local bird or a new bird to your area.
You can also tell the males from the females most of the time. The males have much darker colored charcoal black feathers on their heads than the females do, though occasionally its hard to see the difference in first year birds.
Here is the robin that recovered from a coracoid bone fracture while being rehabbed at . It has stayed around a few days now and now visited my deck. Notice how large and wide the bird's white "eyeliner" (aka in bird id as a broken eye ring) is.
Can you now identify the different robins visiting at your place? Try looking at the feathers around their eyes and see.

04/10/2026

LESSON FOR THE DAY - Planting native plants that birds will eat or drink nectar from will help you save money in the long run and is a much better way to survive.
We as a society have planted so many invasive plants and trees that birds are loosing their natural habitat.
So make an effort this spring (and summer and fall) to plant only native plants and trees that will attract birds, butterflies and bees.
It's a small thing to do but it will make a difference when you plant only native plants on your property and encourage your localities to only plant natives.
Lists per region are found on many websites.
We will post some links in the comments below.

03/18/2026

A BIRD NOTE ~
This is a reminder to clean out those nest boxes and any p**p leftover from winter roosting birds. Cavity nesting birds will be looking for a place to build a home. Give them a fresh start! Here is a chart to help you make sure you have the right hole size to attract the bird(s) you would like to have as "neighbors."
One box works for two species if you put a metal hole reducer for only chickadees if you are using a bluebird box. Then remove it after the chickadees finish nesting so that bluebirds and tree swallows will have a home.
Remember chickadees (usually) only nest once a year and are early nesters so help them out.
If squirrels have somehow chewed the hole, add a metal hole guard to your box so its the right size and to keep them from making it bigger.
Keep your cats indoors and don't forget to use the proper poles and predator guards so you can have a successful nesting season.
Learn more on how to Help Wild Birds at www.helpwildbirds.org or message us or give us a call.
Hopefully you will have some successful nesting outcomes this year.
Feel free to share.

01/23/2026

BIRD TIP - Extended cold temperatures can take a big toll on some species of birds.
Carolina wrens are one of them. They tend to be more cold sensitive and die off when we have extended cold snaps. You can help by placing nest boxes up for them to take cover in, or even a leftover Christmas wreath.
NOTE~ If you find any bird all fluffed out and barely moving, walk over to it and try to pick the bird up. If you can pick it up, it probably needs help.
Place the bird in a covered cardboard box lined with a paper towel and with a few air holes punched in it and call your local bird rehabber (or message me) for further instructions.
This time of year we have only adult birds around our homes and they should be able to fly away if they are ok when approached.
Use www.animalhelpnow.org. to find a rehabber near you.
Let's try to survive through these cold temperatures. Photo courtesy of Leonora who found this carolina wren trying to seek shelter on her deck. Find more bird tips and stories at Help Wild Birds .org or at Help Wild Birds on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/HELPWILDBIRDS/

12/24/2025

From all the birds and myself, the Director at Help Wild Birds, may your holidays be filled with joy and happiness.
Thank you for your kind messages and well wishes.
May you be blessed with good health and kindness and much happiness in the new year.
Our love to you all for your support because !
~ 💝 Maureen
🦉🕊🦉🐣🐦🦆🐧🐥🦜

11/27/2025

Help Wild Birds needs your help!
We are an all volunteer organization with no paid staff but we do need money for supplies and new aviaries to be built.
We not only rehabilitate injured and orphaned wild birds in our local area, but we also educate the public and help people across the country solve their "bird problems" or if need be, help them find a licenced rehabilitator near them that will.
starts December 2nd, 2025.
If you can spare $5 or $10 (or more if you can) for it would be greatly appreciated. Matching funds are available for your first $500 of donations, so if you can, please help us kick off this day and donate now for
If you can't afford to donate will you please share this post so we can all ? We would greatly appreciate your help to speak the word. Thank you!
Please use this link....
Note ~ NO FEES Are TAKEN OUT IF YOU DONATE DIRECTLY THOUGH THIS LINK AT~ https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/2586287

10/22/2025

LESSON FOR THE DAY~ We get hundreds of calls a year from people that are frustrated by free roaming cats killing birds and they don't want to get toxoplasmosis from cat f***s in their yards, gardens or clean up cat hair on their porch furniture. Some people are highly allergic to cats and really don't want them visiting their property.
And we do get hundreds of cat caught birds in for rehab from people and they always they want to know how to prevent their neighbor's cat or "neighborhood" cats from killing birds at their feeders. It's heartbreaking for them and for us too!
Personally we love cats and are so sad when we see the thousands upon thousands of posts for missing cats in social media posts and the nextdoor app or posted flyers. That's heartbreaking too.
So here's one solution if you can't keep your cat(s) indoors.
This type of fence solves the problem of letting your cat outdoors and safe from becoming "missing" or from being attacked by other cats or wildlife predators or being hit by a car or worse.
We believe outdoor cat containment is important (if you don't want to leave your cat always indoors) even though cats do live longer when kept inside your home.
If you have/do TNR or feed feral cats maybe you should fence the area in and use this type of fence to keep them contained. You could keep better track of the cats and protect them from any flea or ticks, fights or diseases that often make outdoor cats ill.
Plus your neighbors would appreciate that!
The common saying, "Good fences make good neighbors," which means that respecting each other's property boundaries is key to a good relationship between neighbors.
This may help.
There are a few other roller type tops that you can put on top of a wooden fence if you don't like the way this looks or just build a Catio for your cats.
Keeping your pet cat safe is the goal. No more missing cats, no more upset neighbors from cats trespassing in their yards and attacking the birds at their feeders.
Maybe it's time that people should take more responsibility for keeping their pets safe and neighbors happy.
So look into this product and others like https://catiospaces.com
They have inexpensive plans or you can even convert chicken houses or a dog kennel, just add a top to the kennel.
After all we are not supposed to let dogs roam why do we not hold cats to the same standard?
If you've already done this, please put a picture in the comment section below.
Let's see some cat containment ideas!
Please share with those neighbors that maybe need some prompting. 😉
Cats indoors or contained isn't very hard to achieve and the birds and other wildlife and neighbors would appreciate your consideration!
Thank you🥰

We all know cats love to explore, and that can sometimes lead them a little too far from home 😼. This fence conversion kit makes it easy to give them the best of both worlds: safe adventures outside and peace of mind for you.

10/20/2025

For Virginia residents or visitors.

PRESS RELEASE: DWR ASKING PUBLIC TO REPORT AFTER INCREASE IN SUSPECTED CASES OF AVIAN INFLUENZA

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has recently received reports of groups of dead black vultures across the state including several counties in Southwest Virginia. Preliminary testing indicates that the likely cause is H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Although disease activity is currently centered in black vultures, with migration season beginning, it is likely there will be mortalities in other bird species as well.

DWR asks that if you observe any of the following, please notify the Department by calling the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or emailing [email protected].

💔 Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in the same area within five days
💔 Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, or turkeys, excluding ones found on the road
💔 Ten or more dead wild birds of any species in the same area within five days

The public is advised to avoid picking up or handling sick or dead wild birds. If you must dispose of a dead bird on your property, wear rubber gloves and other personal protective equipment, such as a mask and eye protection. Dead birds should be buried or double bagged and disposed of in a secured outdoor trash can or landfill. After disposing of the carcass, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and disinfect clothing, and shoes. If you are frequently in contact with poultry, including backyard flocks, or other domesticated birds, you are encouraged to have separate clothing and shoes for use in the areas where you keep those birds. In addition, keep flocks away from vultures and ponds or similar bodies of water that are also accessible to wild waterfowl. Taking these precautions will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

If you develop any flu-like symptoms after handling wild birds (fever, body aches, red or itchy eyes, etc.), contact your state or local health department.

Find more info on Avian Influenza at the link in the comments.

07/22/2025

LESSON FOR TODAY ~ Please prevent this from happening! 😪
These are photos of a Carolina wren that was raised on kitten chow and dog food and a little of some Kaytee hand feeding formula for the last two weeks (or more.)
This bird can't put weight at all on one foot and the other foot was failing too. When the bird is being held you can feel its bones breaking. It's horrific what condition this bird is in and how sad since this was so preventable.
Unfortunately this is what often happens to birds not fed any of the correct food or nutrition needed for raising (any species) of bird from a nestling.
Look at how bad those feathers are! Poor bird is suffering.
This is why we liscenced bird rehabilitators ask the public to bring a baby bird to a liscenced wildlife rehabilitator that rehabs birds. (Preferably one that specializes in birds only.) We know the proper diet of all the native birds in our area.
Dr. "Goggle" and some Veterinarian websites that give information don't know what to do.
The advice may sound ok but is that really what that species of bird actually eats in the wild?
So prevent birds from suffering like this poor bird that has metabolic bone disease and will not survive. Please take time, (right now!) to locate the closest bird rehabilitator to you so you know who to call for help. You can use www.animalhelpnow.org or look on your state's website for a lost of wildlife rehabilitators.
Don't trust uTube videos, Google or even some websites to give you the correct advice.
Every bird requires a specific diet and obviously this wren didn't get what it needed to be healthy and survive.
We are extremely sad about this bird's misfortune.
Learn more at www.helpwildbirds.org

06/25/2025

LESSON FOR THE DAY~
Please do not put ice cubes in or freeze hummingbird nectar. Just change it out daily in (extremely) hot weather.
Birds have a higher body temperature than humans do. Hummingbirds have a faster metabolism than we do. They do not need ice cold water to drink to cool off like humans. Please stop treating them as if they are humans. They are birds and exist in the tropics where temperatures are hot and humid. Rain is even warm there.
Just remember the main thing is to not let the sugar solution get sour (cloudy) or get to concentrated by evaporation, so just put out what they would drink for the day.
BIRD TIP ~ Having 2 feeders and swapping them out daily and rinsing them when brought in keeps the mold down too. Especially in these hot temperatures. Give each a good cleaning at least once a week.
***
Remember hummingbirds eat insects and flower nectar and wouldn't mind a fountain where it can take a drink of water or a bath.
A fermented fruit bucket with just tiny holes in the lid to let the bugs out and a water fountain or spray would be a nice addition now. You can also spray tree leaves with water and hummers (and some other species of birds) will take a "leaf bath."
And don't forget to create a pollinator garden full of flowers, (especially geared towards attracting hummingbirds) it is their favorite place to visit.
Please respect our birds and try to think like a bird not a human...
Learn more at www.helpwildbirds.org