Another Spring is here and  birds are looking for nesting sites.  If you do not want nests in that hole under the eaves, the dryer vent or on that wreath on your front door now is the time to "bird-proof" your home. Here are some tips to help.

1. Decorations such as wreaths and hanging baskets appeal to certain birds - especially House Finches.  Often these are placed either low enough for pets to get to them or situated in high-traffic areas.  Check them periodically for evidence of nesting activity and consider moving them, or changing your traffic pattern temporarily at the first sign of nesting activity.  If you discover an established nest, try not to disturb it and reduce human and pet traffic in the vicinity. After the bird lays the eggs, they are active in the nest for about four weeks.

2. Make sure clothes-dryer vents are terminated with functional vent caps or covered with hardware cloth.  House sparrows are often attracted to open dryer vents.

3. Stovepipes and vent stacks from gas-fired appliances or drains should be topped with securely attached vent caps or heavy duty screen.

4. Check any fan exhausts in and around your home to be sure that they have no openings large enough for a bird to enter - it doesn't take much! This includes window fans, attic fans and roof-mounted attic ventilators. Openings can be covered with hardware cloth to prevent bird (or squirrel) entry.

5. Check the area around your home's eaves for openings that would allow birds to enter.  This can prevent birds from becoming trapped in attics or walls.

6. Check outdoor light fixtures on patios or in yards for nests. Make sure there are no open glass panes. If a nest has been removed from a light with an open top, cover with hardware cloth to prevent birds rebuilding.  The heat generated from operating the light is dangerous to birds, and is some cases can present a fire hazard.

For more information the Humane Society of the U.S. has information on their Wild Neighbor page.

Be sure to note that native birds, their eggs and nests are  protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. (Starlings, House Sparrows and Pigeons are not native birds and are not protected).

"I love the birds and your organization and would like to help, but I just can't commit to a weekly shift.  Is there another way I can Help?"

Yes, there is.

This year we are starting "Friends of Wild Bird Rehabilitation".  The Friends volunteers will focus on two important aspects of WBR - outreach/education as well as fund raising; or as we like to think of it, "Fun raising".  Just think, how could we help birds if no one was aware there existed a place to take in injured and orphaned wild birds?  Caring for the birds would be very difficult in a building with no heat or electricity; birds always need food and water.

Do you have talent putting together flyers, or power point projects?  Maybe you have a good idea for a special event.  Perhaps you're willing to talk to groups such as scouts, garden clubs or school classes.  Willing to sort garage sale items?  Sit with others at information tables, put up sign for events and so on?

As the Friends group develops, I am sure there will be lots of discussion and other opportunities will be identified.  How about a group of "Handy People" coming by for all those maintenance needs that comes from working out of an older building.

We'll be meeting every third Monday in the evening to talk and plan.  If you would like to join the Friends of WBR, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 314-426-6403 to leave a message with your name and contact information.  You can join us on Mondays or we will let you know what's planned and you could sign up for individual projects.

The birds we care for may be small but it takes people with big hearts to provide that care!

Please join us in the Learning Lab at the Forest Park Visitor Center tonight at 7 pm. to learn more about Wild Bird Rehabilitation. Carol Kershner will be the presenter of this exciting and informative program. The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor Center, at 5595 Grand Drive, is just east of the Missouri History Museum at Lindell and DeBaliviere. Free Event

Eagle Scout Ryan Holstad recently deconstructed Wild Bird Rehab's rehabilitation flight cage from Whitecliff Park in Crestwood and reconstructed it behind the Center across from the new flight cage. Having the flight cage close to the Center helps us monitor the birds' progress and insure volunteer coverage for the care of our recovering birds. This procedure included replacing rotten wood, reinforcing posts and rescreening.

Ryan and his crew, which often included his parents and other Eagle Scouts, spent more than 100 man hours on this project. We appreciate Ryan's attention to detail and care involved in getting this just right for our birds. The results are spectacular.

Eagle Scouts donate time to initiate, plan and complete a service project for a charity as part of mastering scouting requirements.