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HOW WE CAN HELP:

Time spent caring for wildlife can also be the perfect opportunity for quality family time. Plant a tree together; feed the birds; put up a Bluebird box. Involve the children, afterall, they are our future.

Here are some other ways we can help.

1.   Make sure any housing you provide is clean and in good repair. Place birdhouses out of reach of family pets.

2.   Keep birdbaths clean and full of fresh water. In colder months, use a plastic birdbath to prevent cracking and remember to replace the ice with water if it freezes.

3.   Keep bird feeders clean and full. It is all right to feed the birds year round. Here's an idea - combine gardening and bird feeding. Plant sunflowers in the spring. Then, in the fall, cut the sunflower heads and hang them on a fence or from a tree. Watch the birds enjoying the fruits of your labor.

4.   Keep your fireplace damper closed when not in use. A better idea is to have the chimney capped to prevent even the smallest of birds or animals from entering.

5.   NEVER move a nest once eggs have been laid or have hatched.

6.   Do not use dangerous pesticides in your yard or garden. Instead, try some of the organic products on the market.

7.   Do not leave paint, tar or deep water containers uncovered. Animals and birds can become trapped and drown.

8.   Do not use poisons or sticky mouse traps for rodent control. Try humane Havahart traps and release these animals in a field or woods. Remember to check the traps daily.

9.   Cut the rings on plastic soda bottle holders/carriers.

10. Never litter. Littering pollutes our water and spoils the natural beauty of our landscapes. Litter and food thrown from cars draws wildlife dangerously close to our roads.

11. Teach your children to respect wildlife. They should never be allowed to shoot birds, rob bird nests, pick up fledglings, or in any way, molest, harass or endanger wildlife.

12. Keep your cats inside. Cats are responsible for more wildlife injuries than any other animal. A cat bite is 99% lethal, in most cases, even with the use of antibiotics. It is a proven fact - cats live longer and healthier lives when kept indoors - just ask your veterinarian. For more information on cats and wildlife, visit the website of the "Cats Indoors" campaign at:   www.abcbirds.org.

Conservation helps humans and wildlife. Here are a few suggestions to make sure there are ample resources for your children, grandchildren and wildlife.

1. Whenever it is possible, recycle. Recycling saves trees and extends the lives of our landfills.

2. Plant a tree. Trees provide oxygen. They also provide food and shelter for our wildlife.

3. Don't waste water. During hot, dry periods, grass turns brown and goes dormant. Don't waste valuable water reservoirs on a lost cause. When it rains, "green-up" will occur. Also, take shorter showers; don't allow water to run while brushing teeth; and, install water savers on toilets.

4. Car pool, or use mass transit for those longer trips. And, for those nearer destinations, enjoy a bike ride or a walk.

A WORD ABOUT RESCUE:

Do not interfere with young birds or mammals unless:

They are too young to survive without care, or too young to care for themselves:

-If their eyes are closed;
-If it is not fully furred or feathered; or
-If it is not getting around on its own.

There is obvious injury.

They are in immediate danger.

Be certain the animal is injured or orphaned. Watch and wait for a while from a distance before taking any action. With species such as deer or rabbits, the mother may be nearby watching and waiting for you to go away.

If a baby bird is fully feathered, hopping on the ground, and the parents are near - leave it alone or gently place it in the nearest bush and go away!

If rescue is necessary, gently place the creature in a small box on a bed of clean toweling and keep it warm. DO NOT give any food or water. DO NOT handle. Call a rehabber immediately!

NEVER CONSIDER KEEPING A WILD ANIMAL, OR BIRD, FOR A PET. IT IS ILLEGAL IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA TO POSSESS WILDLIFE WITHOUT A LICENSE TO DO SO!