ELMHURST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Making Elmhurst More Bird Friendly
Here are a few ways to help make your yard more bird-friendly this summer:

● Provide water. Birds need fresh water, especially in summer. Place a bird
bath in a location near a tree or large bush, so the birds can easily go back and
forth from the bath to a safe area. It should be high enough so that cats cannot get to it.
The bath should be emptied and filled with clean water at least once a day, or can be
flushed by a hose connected to a timer. You may also install a device that agitates the
water, or get the type of birdbath that includes wiring for a small “fountain” of water.

● Create shelter and shade. Birds need to feel safe to rest. Bushes and shrubs
provide birds a place to hide from predators, look for food, and escape the heat.
Leave some areas in your yard a bit messy (brush piles, untrimmed corners) for natural
hiding spots.

● Enhance and protect the food chain. Do not use pesticides that kill insects
like spiders and flies. These insects are an important part of many birds’ diets!
Leave some dead branches on trees for birds to peck, forage in, and build nests in. Let
flowers and other plants go to seed rather than immediately deadheading so that the
birds can eat the seeds.

● Prevent birds from flying into windows by putting up anti-collision decals.

● Keep cats inside or monitor them when they are outside. Put a collar with
bells on your cat.

● Join the new Elmhurst bird group! Email elmhurstneighborhoodassocsac@gmail.com
. Bird walks and workshops are being planned to help people make their yards
more bird friendly.