A North Carolina bird rehab organization, Skywatch Bird Rescue, has released its newsletter summarizing 2012. Their list of the top five causes of injury is helpful for anyone looking for ways to help wild birds.

1. Cats - Studies show even a well-fed cat will not lose its instinct to hunt. Please keep them indoors for their own safety and the safety of wildlife.

2. Window Strikes - Windows reflect the scenery around them, confusing birds and leading them to think there's no window there. Consider hanging curtains, adding streamers, or planting shrubbery --anything to visually break up large panes of glass.

3. Car Collisions - Slow down at night and be aware out there!

4. Fishing Line Entanglement and Fish Hook Injuries - Dispose of fishing line properly to help birds to avoid entanglement, amputation, or worse. If you hook a bird, unhook it -- don't just cut the line. When you walk the beach, keep an eye out for line and pick up after others. This will help all types of marine life, including sea turtles and dolphins -- not to mention humans that might step on a hook.

5. Human Cruelty and Abandonment - Sad, but true. Speak out against people who think it's fun to bully animals, or dump domesticated ducks/geese at ponds. Call your local animal control authority or the Wildlife Resources Commission if you encounter a bird that has been the victim of this behavior.

In addition to supporting Audubon North Carolina as we protect habitat for nesting, migrating, and wintering birds around the state, consider taking some of these easy steps to make sure your backyard, neighborhood, and beaches are also safe for wild birds.