Birdfeeders and Bird Health

One occasionally reads alarming stories about bird diseases and bird feeders. It is important to clean your feeders. It is also important to know the facts. Learn what to be aware of and how to keep your backyard birds healthy in our Birdfeeding Safely article.

Threats at the Birdfeeder: Myths and Solutions

Feeders don't create dependent birds, prevent migration, or disturb the ecological balance. And while hawks and cats are real threats regardless of feeding stations, there are steps you can take to make sure the birds in your yard are as protected as possible. Dispel the rumors and find the answers in our Birdfeeding Myths and Solutions article.

Photo by H. Gilbert Miller from Wikimedia Commons

Preventing Window Collisions

Collisions with windows are a major cause of bird deaths that we can reduce around our homes, whether or not we have feeders. Read our article covering feeder placement, window stickers, and other things you can do to prevent these unnecessary deaths.

Found an injured bird?

Marin County: WildCare

Located in San Rafael, Wildcare provides care for ill, orphaned or injured wild animals, environmental education, and wildlife advocacy. Visit their page on animal aid for information on what to do if you find an injured bird or other animal.

Marin Humane Society

If you are unable or uncomfortable capturing or handling an animal to bring it to WildCare yourself, you can call the Marin Humane Society 24 hours a day at 415-883-4621 x1. This number is for Marin County Residents only.

Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue

Located in Petaluma, Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue helps care for injured wildlife, including larger birds. For small songbirds, see below. They also engage in nature education, including tours of their hilltop campus featuring their non-releasable animals (including mountain lions!).

Bird Rescue Center of Sonoma County

The Bird Rescue Center rehabilitates all native bird species at its Santa Rosa location as well as conducting educational presentations throughout the North Bay. 

Native Songbird Care & Conservation

Formerly known as the Songbird Hospital, this Sebastopol organization cares for smaller songbirds (not including crows, jays, ravens or non-natives such as starlings, pigeons and house sparrows).