Bird Friendly City

Since the 1970s, North America has lost 3 billion birds due to pesticides, habitat loss, the decline of insects, roaming cats, collisions with glass, pollution, and climate change.

Not only do birds and birdsong contribute to improved mental health, birds also provide essential services to humans which include pollination, insect control, and the disbursement of seeds.

In April 2022, Hamilton became the 6th certified Bird Friendly City in Canada. Bird Friendly City: A Certification Program was developed by Nature Canada.

A Bird Friendly City is one that has taken steps to reduce threats to wild birds, conserve bird habitat, and educate the public about birds. These accomplishments were the result of bird friendly efforts over the years from the City of Hamilton, local organizations, schools, businesses, Bird Friendly Hamilton Burlington, and residents of Hamilton.

How to help birds in Hamilton

You can help birds by:

• Treating your windows and glass railings with effective bird-collision deterrent markers. Find tips at FLAP Canada
• Turning off non-essential lighting or closing blinds/curtains at night during spring and fall bird migration. See FLAP Canada for more information
• Keeping cats indoors or in an enclosed ‘catio’ (for the safety of both birds and cats). See Cats and Birds for more information
• Cleaning and disinfecting bird feeders every two weeks with 9 parts water to 1 part bleach mix. Learn more at Birds Canada
• Planting native trees and plants that benefit birds. See Bird Gardens from Birds Canada
• Leaving dead trees standing when safe and suitable to do so. Learn more about Trees and Snags
• Drinking bird friendly coffee. Learn more and find out where to purchase at Bird Friendly Hamilton Burlington
• Staying on trails and keep dogs leashed.
• Participating in citizen science and bird monitoring. Visit Bird Friendly Hamilton Burlington to find out how to participate locally.