May 4th has gone to the birds: it’s National Bird Day! As you may know, here at Flamingo Pet Clinic, we have a soft spot for our feathered friends. Birds are not only wonderful pets, they’re also a crucial part of our ecosystem. A local Las Vegas, NV vet lists some ways to celebrate in this article.

Help Wild Birds

Don’t forget about your backyard buddies! Arizona is home to a beautiful and vast array of birds. In fact, a Natureserve study showed that Arizona ranked third in the nation for the number of wild birds. At the top of the list? Our state bird, the cactus wren, a cute little thing. One way to help is to set out birdfeeders. Although birds can find food all year round in this climate, they will still enjoy that buffet. With summer coming, bird baths are a great option. You can also put in some bird-friendly plants. Some good options for our local area include velvet mesquite, honey mesquite, desert marigold, desert willow, and chuparosa.

Ground Your Cat

We love our feline pals. However, it turns out that Fluffy is a rather adorable serial killer. Kitties kill as many as 2.4 billion birds per year. Plus, your feline friend will be safer indoors. If you do want to let your tiny lion out, put a bell on her collar. That will at least give her intended victims a warning.

Spread The Word

Sharing information about how to help wild birds can also help. For instance, many people still enjoy releasing balloons for special occasions. This may make for pretty pictures, but it can be deadly to birds, who may try to eat them. 

Go Non-Toxic

Are you dealing with unwanted guests, such as rats or other vermin? Think twice before setting out poisonous traps. These may poison the rodents, but they will also poison the birds of prey that eat them. Opt for safer methods.

Support Conservation Efforts

There are many wonderful organizations working to help wild birds and improve their habitats. Consider making a small donation to one of them, or even joining a volunteer program.

Bird Walk

We have some wonderful spots for birdwatching around here. Download a bird identification app, and see how many wild birds you can identify.

Do you have questions about bird care? Contact us, your Las Vegas, NV animal clinic, today!