Photos Of The Week: Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day

FLORIDA — Since Saturday, Oct. 8, is World Migratory Bird Day, it seemed only appropriate to feature reader's photos of birds.

World Migratory Bird Day is dedicated to migrating species of birds across the globe. Birds provide vital services to the environment, from seed distribution to pollination to pest control.

Without respect for and protection of these birds, many essential functions of natural habitats would not flourish.

Throughout Florida, bird lovers can find a fair share of migratory birds as they “fly south for the winter," including ducks, geese and cranes.

One of the most common threats to these birds is plastic, especially plastic that makes its way into Florida waterways. Birds often eat plastic when looking for food, or become entangled in it and trapped. Residents can help by reducing the use of single-use plastic and by recycling plastic trash.

Pets also pose a danger to birds. Domestic cats and dogs kill more than two billion birds a year. By not allowing pets to roam free, residents can make sure their pets don't harm native or migratory bird species.

Additionally, car collisions cause between 89 million and 340 million bird deaths a year. Some birds are more prone to getting struck by cars, including seabirds, owls and ducks. To protect birds from cars, always drive carefully and watch for low-flying birds.

Send Us Your Photos

The Florida Patch sites publish a collection of Photos of the Week each week submitted by readers. Whether you snapped an amazing shot with your smartphone or spent hours capturing the decisive moment with a Nikon D6, send your photos to Tampa Bay Patch editor D'Ann White at dann.white@patch.com with the location of the photo and the name and hometown of the photographer.