Bird-Friendly Communities

Bird-Friendly Communities is a nationwide campaign by National Audubon taking strides to offset the impacts of development by restoring and protecting landscapes that allow native bird populations to survive in a growing community. Whidbey Audubon is committed to providing outreach and education to spread this message and encourage individuals to take part in protecting the environment. By creating open spaces that are wildlife friendly, starting with your own backyard, and encouraging your friends and neighbors to do the same we can create and protect important habitat for wildlife, allowing for a better environment for birds and for people.

How Can You Help?

Take the pledge!

Commit to taking at least three steps in your own backyard to help wildlife. Examples include:

• Plant native species that provide food and shelter to native bird populations

• Retain dead snags and branches that serve as rest and nesting sites

• Eliminate pesticides which can be fatal to birds and their food sources

• Remove invasive species such as ivy and Himalayan blackberry

• Leave leaf litter and make a brush pile to provide food and shelter for foraging birds

• Keep cats indoors (American Bird Conservancy Guidance)

• Provide a water source

• Mark your windows and doors to prevent bird strikes

• Reduce outdoor lighting

• Mow less of your yard and mow less often

Certify Your Yard!

Show your support for birds and wildlife by having your yard officially recognized.  All you need to do is submit a form certifying that you have all the basic things that birds, wildlife and bugs need (shelter, food, water, no chemicals, native plants) and you will qualify.  Get a certificate, or pay a few bucks and get a sign you can post to show your neighbors you support habitat!  Each of these programs is a bit different -- do one, do them all!  Show us your signs!

• Audubon Plants for Birds

• National Wildlife Foundation Certified Wildlife Habitat

• Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife

• Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary

• Xerxes Foundation

Get involved!

Volunteer with:

• Whidbey Audubon Society

• Whidbey Camano Land Trust

• Sound Water Stewards

• Whidbey Island Conservation District

• Friends of the State Parks

• Garry Oak Society

or local garden clubs or other organizations working for habitat, wildlife, and birds.

Banner Photo: Jann Ledbetter