Halloween Safety for Birds
Halloween happens directly during Fall Migration for most bird species.
It can be a very tricky and dangerous time for birds.
Halloween decorations can be especially hazardous for birds and wildlife. Here's how to keep your spooky season fun, while giving migratory birds a safer journey.
Window collisions pose a gruesome threat to birds, but you can ward off these deadly strikes with spooky window designs. Festive glass decor is a wicked-easy way to embrace the season while keeping local wildlife safe.
Avoid stringing decorations across open areas where birds are likely to fly through. Instead of using invisible fishing line to hang decorations, secure ornaments directly to structures.
Although a pumpkin can be a nutritious snack for many birds, they can be more trick than treat if placed unsafely. Be mindful of nearby traffic, windows, and household pets when setting out your pumpkin decorations.
A fun alternative is to make your pumpkin into a hanging bird feeder.
- Cut your hollowed-out pumpkin in half.
- Poke a stick through the wall to act as a perch.
- Hang it in a tree.
- Fill with bird seed.
Synthetic spider-web decorations can easily entangle birds, especially the white, wispy plastic material often stretched over bushes and porches. Instead, To minimize the threat, use thicker rope, leave generous gaps between strands, and check twice a day for accidental catches.
Decorate naturally with wood, cotton, leaves, burlap, cornstalks, and pumpkins to echo the season's beauty. It’s a stylish, eco-friendly choice that’s safer for local wildlife.
Black cats may be an iconic symbol of Halloween, but the real fright for birds comes from cats year-round. House cats are very effective hunters, responsible for killing thousands of birds every year. Always best to keep your cat indoors, in a "catio", or on a leash outside.
Shiny candy wrappers can attract birds like crows, ravens and jays. Coming down to investigate can put them in harm's way of traffic, people and pets. And bits of loose wrappers can also get ingested. Be sure to pick up any garbage after Halloween Night.
Fireworks may be a tradition but they are a source of stress, distraction and danger to migrating birds. Lights and noise can distract and startle migrating birds, causing them to lose their way or be forced to land where they are susceptible to dangers.