While there is no shortage of threats to wild birds, thankfully, there are also a lot of organizations working to help them. Here at Chirp, we take our effect on birds and the environment seriously. That is why we do everything we can to support our local birds and lighten our load on the environment. One of the ways we do this is by supporting local and national conservation organizations, like those in the following list. Here is a spotlight on some of our favorite organizations working towards bird and nature conservation, and how you can get involved:
American Bird Conservancy
The American Bird Conservancy works on multiple fronts to protect and preserve the North American bird population. These efforts include educating the public on the biggest threats to birds to supporting habitat restoration efforts, and seeking to reduce pesticide use that harms birds and other wildlife. Their initiatives tackle bird threats at all levels, from helping to restore stopover habitats for migrating birds to working with partners to counteract the harmful effects of overfishing and habitat loss for our local shorebirds.
Get involved:
- Sign a petition to phase out harmful crop pesticides.
- Donate funds to save threatened and extinct bird species, like the Maui Parrotbill and the Grey-breasted Parakeet.
- Learn how to prevent fatal window strikes with bird-friendly tips for your home and business.
- Educate yourself on the risk of wind energy for birds, and helpful solutions.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Founded in 1915, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology* has decades of experience educating and encouraging citizen scientists in the conservation of wild birds. Along with spearheading research that has led to new understanding of the earth and wildlife around us, they work with people and communities worldwide (including bird lovers like yourself) to observe and collect real-life bird behaviors to help us better understand, and support, the birds around us.
*Chirp Nature Center is a proud supporter of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, as well as other nature advocacy organizations.
Get involved:
- Join a Citizen Science project.
- Enroll in a Bird Academy course.
- Get kids involved in hands-on activities that teach them about nature.
- Use their eBird app while birdwatching. (Check out Chirp’s easy-to-use eBird tutorial!)
- Donate funds.
International Bird Rescue
With a focus on rehabilitating and protecting shorebirds, especially those affected by oil spills, the International Bird Rescue started in 1971 and has helped more than 125,000 birds. Their work includes hands-on rehabilitation of oiled wildlife, as well as avian and wildlife research and education. With three wildlife care centers and a team of researchers, scientists, vets, and volunteers, they treat shorebirds that include Brown Pelicans, Western Grebes, Common Loons, Snowy Egrets, and Great Blue Herons.
Get involved:
- Donate to adopt a bird (symbolically) and help that bird get the care it needs.
- Volunteer to help care for injured and oiled wildlife.
- Apply for a job at one of their wildlife rehab centers.
National Audubon Society
A well-respected name in the wild bird game, the National Audubon Society is known for its advocacy and conservation efforts. With local chapters across the United States and ten other countries, this organization works for wild birds through scientific research, community outreach, and influencing conservation laws. Some of their work includes protecting bird habitats through several initiatives, working on clean energy and natural climate solutions, and offering community science programs to invite others to help make a difference.
*Chirp Nature Center happily supports the National Audubon Society by donating a portion of our profits to this and other bird and nature organizations. We were also privileged to partner with their San Diego chapter for a special Birdathon event in May that helped to raise money for wild bird conservation.
Get involved:
- Join an Audubon chapter near you.
- Be part of their Climate Watch program to explore the effect of climate change on wild birds.
- Take your child on a fun and educational Audubon nature camp.
- Take part in their Lights Out Program, which decreases light pollution to prevent window strikes for migrating birds.
Partners in Flight
For 30 years, Partners in Flight (PIF) have supported land birds by working to conserve public and private land habitats. They pride themselves on taking a scientific approach to bird conservation by collecting data from several sources, including universities and environmental agencies. As such, this data allows them to keep an up-to-date and evolving “watch list” of threatened and endangered birds in the U.S. and Canada. From research and planning to policy changing, PIF and their partners advocate for birds on all levels.
Get involved:
- Join a PIF regional working group that focuses on bird conservation efforts for that area.
- Sponsor an event for their International Migratory Bird Day.
- Contact local authorities to advocate for bird-friendly lighting to protect migratory birds.
Wild Bird Research Group
The Wild Bird Research Group (WBRG) is a non-profit organization that focuses on public education, bird monitoring, and migration and ecology research of birds. They work with The Institute for Bird Populations and other organizations and networks to conserve bird populations through bird monitoring and bird banding. Through these efforts, they can safely and effectively track bird movements to learn more about migration patterns and habitat changes. Part of their work also involves a focus on owl research, specifically for the Northern Saw-whet owl and the Long-eared Owl, both of which are rarely seen, and difficult to study, in the wild.
Get involved:
- Find out what it takes to become a WBRG banding technician. (Learn about their internship.)
- Learn how to be a part of their MoSI and MAPS bird monitoring programs.
- Support them with one-time or monthly donations.
Help Chirp Help the Birds
Along with supporting the above organizations, join Chirp in following a more sustainable way of life for us and our birds. Here’s how:
- Follow these four tips for sustainable living.
- Feed the birds high-quality, energy-sustaining seed mixes.
- Drink bird-friendly coffee. ATTENTION COFFEE LOVERS: Chirp has just launched our very own brand of bird-friendly coffee that is organic, fair trade, and free of the pesticides and herbicides that can be harmful to us, our local birds, and our planet. Pick up a bag or three in the Chirp store at Big Bear Lake, or shop our online store to sign up and save on a monthly coffee subscription.
- Teach your kids how to take care of the birds and the environment.
- Learn more about nature advocacy and how you can help.
