Escape From Smokey Flames: Wild Birds Fleeing Wildfires
Race Against Time: Helping Birds Escape From Wildfire Zones
Choking In Mass Migration
Smoke drift pollution and Canadian wildfires, oh what a terrible choking plight, It’s even pushing wild birds to take early and hurried new migration flights, An ancient nature’s native smoke signal that proves climate change real all along, Eagles, Hawks, and Falcons, all crying fowl, from burn zones they now must flee.
Birds, the only thing standing between us and a bug-apocalypse
The danger also spells trouble for songbirds, finches, warblers, sparrows, Sick and injured, even the escapees, know that they may not survive, Leaving behind egg nestlings and unfeathered young, that can’t yet thrive Leaving their offspring, a Mama bird grief-filled flight sorrow.
Birds, the only thing standing between us and a bug-apocalypse
All birds particularly vulnerable because they have small respiratory systems, Like the canaries sent into mines of old, highly sensitive to changes in air quality, While we humans may not like buggy insects, for them it’s food, no bugs, no eat! Wildfires pushing birds to new lands, in search of a tasty needed meal or treat.
Birds, the only thing standing between us and a bug-apocalypse
Migration patterns changing as habitats become ashes, climate pollution shifting sands, The domino effect of pollution affects their habitats too, for after the fires come, Ozone, acid rain, soil erosion, and flooding, all in a dangerous calamity toxic brew, Some birds flee from the fires seeking safety, but may still not make it too.
Birds, the only thing standing between us and a bug-apocalypse
Others trapped in the smoke, to weak and unable to fly, a respiratory system, Too fragile to even try, absorbing toxic compounds, also a new threat, Migratory birds will be dying by the thousands, a cause for humankind regret, But all of us can help, in simple ways to aid birds in need, in these trying days.
Birds, the only thing standing between us and a bug-apocalypse
Protect their habitats, let’s take a stand for our feathered friends, by lending a hand, Provide extra bird feeders and bird seed, simple solutions but a good start, Wild bird suet and hummingbird feeders, will go a long way to boost their broken hearts, Over the hot coming summer, fill your birdbaths with clean water, shallow and still, Give them extra perches and trees to rest, places to get strength and refill.
Birds, the only thing standing between us and a bug-apocalypse
Keep your domestic cats indoors if possible, a simple but effective plea, To protect nature’s wild birds, and let them do being a bird without kitties please, Birds need our help, in times of strife, they need us to come together, Truth told, we need them as much as they need us, to give them a chance again at life.
Birds, the only thing standing between us and a bug-apocalypse
Wildfire smoke impacts all wild birds who solely rely on their sense of sight and smell, In navigating and finding food sources, and smoke inhalation leads to coughing and wheezing, Just like it does for us, their population is already struggling from habitat loss, Let’s not forget, it’s also about waterfowl and shorebirds, and the loss of drinkable water.
Birds, the only thing standing between us and a bug-apocalypse
After wildfires have burned through bird habitats, time to take action to recover and adapt, Time for extra food and water helping them survive, until natural food sources come back alive, Save them from being feathered homeless by planting native plants and trees, Creating new nesting sites, give them a chance, keep track of their populations, To identify bird populations in need, feed them the food attention needed to succeed.
Birds, the only thing standing between us and a bug-apocalypse
Be more mindful to reduce our human impact to prevent future wildfires, Protecting future bird habitats is what we desire, using more fire-resistant materials, Limiting over development, and promoting responsible recreation, Support bird conservation efforts to protect their nesting bird homes, Let’s work together to help birds thrive, after the wildfires have burned through our lives
Birds, the only thing standing between us and a bug-apocalypse
“Without our many feathered bird friends, we’d all be in big trouble when the coming bug-apocalypse would have us fleeing the planet since we are already vastly outnumbered and out-witted by disease-bearing insects.” Jerilee Wei © 2023