Rockland Audubon Society

 Rockland Audubon Certified Bird Sanctuary

Create a haven for birds—right where you live.

The Rockland Audubon Certified Bird Sanctuary program recognizes homes, schools, businesses, and community spaces that provide essential habitat for birds and other wildlife. By making meaningful choices in your landscape, you help birds find food, water, shelter, and safe places to raise their young—while supporting biodiversity across our region.

You don’t need acres of land or a perfectly manicured garden. Even small, intentional changes can make a difference.

What Makes a Bird Sanctuary?

A qualifying sanctuary includes several of the elements below. Every property is unique, and we’re happy to help you decide what works best for your space.

🌱 Native Plants

Native plants are the foundation of a healthy bird habitat. Birds and native plants co-evolved over hundreds of thousands of years, meaning many birds are adapted to feed on the specific insects, seeds, berries, and nectar that native plants produce. These plants support the food webs birds rely on throughout the year—especially during nesting season.

We encourage the use and planting of native plants as food sources because they:

• Provide birds and other wildlife with the foods they need to survive

• Support caterpillars and insects that birds depend on, especially when feeding young

• Reflect long-standing ecological relationships between birds and the plants they evolved with

• Promote local biodiversity and healthier ecosystems

💧 Water Source

A reliable water source—such as a birdbath, shallow dish, or small pond—helps birds drink, bathe, and cool off, especially during hot or dry periods.

🌿 Cover & Nesting Habitat

Birds need safe places to rest, hide from predators, and raise their young. Trees, shrubs, grasses, brush piles, and leaf litter all provide vital cover and nesting opportunities.

Your sanctuary should provide both nourishment and nesting habitat.

🚫 No Synthetic Chemical Pesticides

Please avoid the use of synthetic chemical pesticides in your landscape. These chemicals can harm birds directly and reduce the insects birds need to feed themselves and their young.

🪟 Bird-Safe Glass (a Plus!)

Glass can be dangerous for birds. Using bird-safe window treatments, decals, cords, or patterned glass is a strong bonus and helps prevent window collisions—one of the leading causes of bird mortality.

Ready to Apply?
If your property already supports birds—or you’re working toward it—we’d love to recognize your efforts.
Apply to become a Rockland Audubon Certified Bird Sanctuary