If you love wildlife, you probably have birdhouses somewhere in your yard.
Man-made birdhouses can be a boon to wildlife -- for instance, eastern bluebirds became an endangered species decades ago as our land became deforested and also as cedar fence posts around farmlands were replaced with metal fencing. Bluebirds like to nest in vertical, hollowed-out wood along
the edge of an open area, and old wooden fence posts were ideal for their purpose. When conservationists realized the reason for bluebirds' decline, a movement was started to build birdhouses and place them at appropriate heights around fields and open areas. As a result, the number of these beneficial birds has rebounded in recent years.

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You may choose to supplement your wildlife's natural diet with various types of birdseed and other critter feeds. If you use bird feeders, keep them clean by periodically soaking and scrubbing them in a dilute bleach solution.

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A baby Chimney Swift has fallen and you want to return it to the nest. If you live in a one-story house, Pamela Bayne, director of the Triangle Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, recommends the following:

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The choice nesting spot for a Chimney Swift is a large hollow tree. As humans encroach on their natural habitat, Chimney Swifts have adapted by nesting in chimneys. During the summer months, often in July, you may hear chattering in your chimney. These sounds may be coming from a nest of Chimney Swifts.

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Bird feeders and bird baths are a wonderful way to attract birds to your backyard. To help prevent the spread of the diseases among birds, especially salmonellosis, it is recommended by experts that bird feeders and bird baths be disinfected regularly with a 10% bleach solution. Also, periodically move the feeders and baths so that seed and feces do not collect under them.

Another communicable bird disease is conjunctivitis, which affects the eyes of house finches and some goldfinches. Tube feeders should also be disinfected regularly, since the birds pass the disease to other birds when they eat seeds from the small openings, and their eyes come in contact with the feeder. Another preventive measure is to switch to platform feeders.