Press Releases

January 14 , 2005
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michelle Pintar
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org

"Adopt" a Rescued Bird this Month

MILWAUKEE ?The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has declared January as a national "Adopt a Rescued Bird Month." While many individuals think about adopting a domestic bird, the Wisconsin Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center also suggests "adopting" a wild bird right from your own backyard and even provides the opportunity to adopt (sponsor) wild birds from the shelter.

Those who live in or visit Wisconsin during the winter months will probably notice many species of beautiful native birds such as Cardinals, Goldfinches and Juncos. To "adopt" a wild bird this month or anytime this winter, WHS' Wildlife Rehabilitation Center offers these suggestions:

?   Feed your "adopted" bird(s) a high quality, mixed seed. Although birds tend to have a preference as to their favorite seed, by placing a variety of seed outside you will probably attract a variety of beautiful wild birds.

?   In addition to placing the traditional seedfeeders outside, consider having a suet block. Wild birds such as woodpeckers and nuthatches will appreciate the warmth provided by the suet block.

?   WHS recommends that any feeders you place outside should be scrubbed periodically with a bleach and water solution so the birds enjoy a healthy, clean feeder, minimizing disease transmission.

?   If you would prefer feeding the wild birds and not other small animals like squirrels, place your feeder at least six feet away from tree trunks and branches.

Also use a squirrel baffle to keep you feeding efforts "strictly for the birds."

?   Even if you "adopt" the wild birds in your backyard, please also consider being an ?Angel? by sponsoring one of the wild birds at WHS' Wildlife Rehabilitation Center . For more information, visit www.wihumane.org or call Scott Diehl at (414) 431-6117.

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