Are Lawn Chemicals Bad for Birds?

Symptoms of Chemical Exposure in Birds

• According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representative Diana Conger, birds that have been exposed to lawn chemicals may exhibit symptoms including shivering, excessive salivating, grand mal seizures, wild flapping and even screeching. Birds and other small animals often suffer more than people do, due to their sensitivity and diminutive size. While small animals that are poisoned will often crawl into their burrows and die, birds often exhibit this behavior out in the open. Retired New York State wildlife pathologist Ward Stone cautions that harming birds is not a matter of using the chemicals incorrectly. According to Stone, "You can follow label directions to a 'T' and still kill birds."

Cholinesterase-inhibiting Pesticides

• State agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, research organizations and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have linked several thousand bird fatalities to pesticides that contain cholinesterase-inhibiting chemicals. These chemicals affect a bird's nervous system and have dire consequences. Birds that do not immediately die from exposure may have trouble finding food or avoiding predation. Reproductive and parenting behavior may also be affected. Even a bird's ability to migrate may be compromised by these chemicals.

  Although cholinesterase-inhibited chemicals are found in many pesticides, diazinon and chlorpyrifos are common culprits. Both diazinon and chlorpyrifos have been phased out for home use in the last 10 years, however, they are still commonly used in agricultural applications. Homeowners should discard any remaining diazinon or chlorpyrifos that they have on hand. Newer chemicals are slightly less toxic, but should still be used with extreme caution.

How Birds Get Poisoned

• Chemicals applied to a lawn underneath a bird feeder can be particularly deadly to wildlife. As the birds land on the ground underneath the feeder, their bodies come into contact with the toxic chemicals. Birds that feed on the spilled seed, ingest the chemicals directly into their bodies, and often die as a result.

  Pesticide drift is another common problem. Even the slightest breeze can cause pesticides to drift into bird baths and water sources. Rain can also carry chemicals into streams and ponds, where aquatic birds and other organisms are affected.

Legal Ramifications

• The Migratory Bird Protection Act is in place to protect native species. Killing migratory birds is a violation of this act. According the the Rachel Carson Council, in the 1990s, a lawn service applied a pesticide to the grassy areas at a condo complex. Almost 50 mallard ducks died as a result of the application. Even though the professional applicator followed label instructions, they were charged with a misdemeanor violation of the Migratory Bird act and fined $100 for each bird that they killed. Even a user who is not aware of the deadly nature of a chemical can be prosecuted and fined for killing a single bird.

Ways to Reduce Wildlife Exposure

• Homeowners should consider diminishing the size of their lawn and landscaping in favor of other types of plants that do not require frequent applications of chemicals. Native landscaping is often recommended as it is already well-adapted to the area, requiring less care and water.

  Homeowners should also avoid hiring lawn care companies that use dangerous chemicals. If chemical use is unavoidable, the Illinois State University Extension suggests applying the chemicals on a non-windy day and taking down or covering any bird feeders. Seek out safe, alternative solutions for pest or weed problems. Many organic pests controls are now available. Mulch can prevent weeds and hand-pulling can eradicate them. Reducing the use of lawn chemicals creates a safer yard for both wildlife and families.