Birds are experiencing impacts of climate change. This past weekend, 13-14 May 2017, is the time to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2017. With the 2017 theme "Their Future is our Future", WMBD throws light on the topic of "Sustainable Development for Wildlife and People", as migratory birds and other species share the same planet and thus the same limited resources with human beings. The 2017 campaign aims at raising awareness on the need for a sustainable management of our natural resources, demonstrating that birds conservation is also crucial for the future of humankind.
To participate in the celebration of WMBD, we at CIEDM took a couple of bird friendly actions at Arcadia EcoHome to provide a resilient haven for migrant and local birds. They include: Remove invasive weeds, fill water in all birdbaths, cutoff withered flowers and vegetables after they bloom and leave the seedheads on ground so that the seeds can be food source for birds, and leave fallen leaves on ground as a natural mulch that not only helps to improve soil, retains moisture, and also serves as birds' forage field for ground-dwelling insects. Arcadia EcoHome site located within the migratory birds flyway along the US’ Pacific coast is improved with a certified green building surrounded by yards that is certified as a Wildlife Habitat, Pollinator Friendly Garden, Bee-Friendly Farm, and Ocean Friendly Garden. The above actions also helped to maintain requirements by those certifications. We certainly enjoy watching the birds and hear their sounds while working in the yards.