Providing food, water and bird houses for Kentuckiana's songbirds results in hours of enjoyment for area homeowners as they watch the birds feed and nest in close proximity to homes. And, many experts now think that provision of food and backyard habitats is helping maintain bird populations across America. If you enjoy backyard birding there are a few other things you can do to insure an even safer habitat for your feathered friends.

According to the Audubon Society and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Resources Conservation Service, pesticides represent a significant threat to wildlife in general and birds specifically. The common pesticide diazinon, which is used by many homeowners to control garden insects and lawn pests such as grubs or fleas, is highly toxic. It is the agent in nearly half of all reported wildlife poisonings from home or garden applications. It can also cause illness in pets who are exposed. For additional information and alternative treatments, contact the National Audubon Society for their Guide to Home Pesticides. If you're treating your yard for fleas, there are several very effective, natural pesticides available. Check with your local Feeders Supply for an outdoor flea control product that is safe for both wildlife and your pet!

Another bird threat is windows. It is reported that each year millions of birds fly into windows and are injured or die. To prevent these tragedies move your bird feeders so that they are either 10 feet away from windows or within 3 feet. When the feeder is closer, a bird may still fly into the glass, but will not have built up enough speed and momentum to be injured.

One of the biggest threats to our songbird population is outdoor cats. It is estimated that if you routinely allow your cat outdoors, it is likely to be killing as many as 10 birds per year. When one considers that there are nearly 60 million pet cats, the potential death toll is staggering.

For cats, hunting is a natural behavior. It is not related to hunger, so even the well-fed pet cat will hunt and kill wildlife and birds. The only way to prevent your cat's hunting is to keep him or her indoors.

In Jefferson County, if you allow your cat outdoors and it strays from your yard, you are in violation of a county ordinance. Since most cats instinctive territorial boundaries span about one-quarter mile, going outdoors probably means wandering further than your property line. The result is that your pet can be picked up and you can be fined. There is an added benefit to keeping your pet inside your home. It is estimated that cats that live outdoors have a life expectancy of 5 years, while indoor felines' life expectancy is nearer to 17 years!

Should your cat stray to your backyard, you can give prey a fighting chance by putting an alarm collar on your pet. The collar will not stop the attacking cat, but with a bell or other alert coming from the stalking predator, wildlife will have a chance to escape.

A final thought concerns placement of bird feeders and houses … be sure they're hung high and out of reach from any marauding, neighborhood feline that may pass through your backyard.