Kane County Reporter

As summer arrives and bird activity peaks, the St. Charles Natural Resources Commission encourages communities to support bird conservation efforts. In May, the commission marked World Migratory Bird Day with a bird walk and by turning off lights on the Municipal Building tower. The 2025 theme, "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities," emphasizes that bird conservation is an ongoing commitment.

The theme highlights the importance of a harmonious relationship between humans and birds. Recommended practices include creating healthy habitats, minimizing bird collisions with buildings, reducing pollution, and ensuring food availability for birds. Regardless of community type, everyone can contribute to these efforts.

Suggestions for aiding birds include planting native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses to provide food for local wildlife. Making homes safer by treating windows to prevent collisions is advised. Turning off outdoor lights during migration seasons helps reduce light pollution.

Leaving fallen leaves undisturbed supports insects that serve as food for birds while decomposing leaves enhance soil quality. Rural property owners are encouraged to maintain natural areas like fencerows and un-mowed ditches as habitats for birds.

Apartment dwellers can also participate by growing native plants in balcony pots to attract insects beneficial to birds. Avoiding pesticides and herbicides protects both insects and plants vital to avian diets.

Efforts should also focus on protecting woodlands, wetlands, and meadows where birds thrive. The commission urges individuals to take pride in their contributions to bird conservation and share their enthusiasm with others.