Chippewa Valley (WQOW) – Bird populations have dropped 30% over the past 50 years across the U.S., including here in Wisconsin, according to a new study.

Officials with Beaver Creek Reserve said the use of pesticides and loss of habitat are two of the biggest reasons the Chippewa Valley is seeing fewer of our feathered friends.

However, experts said there are ways to help. They recommend leaving your feeders out during the colder months for birds that didn’t fly south and keeping your yard as natural as possible to give birds a place to stay and thrive.

“Leaving your seeds in the fall instead of cutting down all of your native plants, leave those for the birds for winter. Those are some huge steps you can do to help create habitat in your own backyard for birds,” said Jeanette Kelly, citizen science director at Beaver Creek Reserve.

Kelly added that birds do know how to find food and habitats without help from people, but it does make it easier for them when their resources are dwindling.