National Bird Day was established by bird activists. It calls upon people to recognize the plight of captive birds. It also draws attention to exploitation of birds in the U.S. pet industry. On this day, organizers suggest we reflect upon the conditions of birds held in captivity.
Born Free USA in coordination with the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) is calling on activists around the U.S. to take action on behalf of captive birds by drawing attention to the exploitation of other countries’ native birds by the U.S. pet industry on Jan. 5 — National Bird Day.
“National Bird Day” is not only a good day to take time to appreciate the native wild birds flying free outside our windows, it is also a perfect time to reflect on how we treat the native birds of other countries. While we have enacted laws to protect our native birds such as blue jays, cardinals, and crows — from commercial exploitation, we fail to recognize the inconsistency in allowing the pet industry to exploit the birds of other countries.
Even when bred in captivity, exotic birds are not considered domesticated animals, and all their inherent behavioral and physical needs remain intact. Sadly, when it comes to birds, deprivation of their natural behaviors (to fly and flock, for example) is an inescapable component of their captivity.
Each year thousands of birds are sold into the pet trade to individuals who are under the mistaken impression that a bird will make a perfect pet. Eventually, whether due to frustration, disinterest, or concern, many people attempt to rid themselves of the responsibility of caring for their birds. Unfortunately, few of these birds will find a loving home, and most will spend their days isolated and confined to their cages. Others will bounce from home to home as their caretakers tire of them, and some may be abandoned at local shelters and birds rescues, set free to fend for themselves or euthanized.
(Excerpt from: nationalbirdday.com)
In honor of National Bird Day, here are some shots I have taken of wild birds!
You can click any image to open it full size.
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- Baby bird in our Strawberry Plant
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- Birds in our front bush
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- Cardinal
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- American Goldfinch
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- We Have No Idea What Type Of Bird This Is! Do you?
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- Red Colored Finch
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- Woodpecker and a sparrow in our backyard
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- Nuthatcher
I love your pictures. Nothing makes me more happy then sitting on the back porch and watching the birds and squirrels. I don’t feed the birds because I have a very good mouser who loves birdies. When she passes away I will be done with cats and once again enjoy feeding the birds.
Love the pictures. I have a bird feeder outside my dinning room window that my cats stare out of everyday. I love seeing the different birds that come by and watch my cats go crazy!