Today marks the fourth annual National Bird Day and this year, the event's focus is on increasing public awareness of how we treat captive wild birds as well as improving the welfare of birds affected by the pet trade:

"The Animal Protection Institute, in coordination with the Avian Welfare Coalition, calls on activists and bird lovers across the US to take action on behalf of captive and wild birds January 5 — National Bird Day (NBD). NBD aims to educate consumers about the abuse of birds in the retail pet industry and the difficult reality of caring for birds as pets, as well as to expose the cruelty of the wild bird trade and the importance of keeping birds wild." ~ Animal Protection Institute

'Think Outside of the Cage', the NBD theme for 2006, encourages people to find ways to improve the treatment of birds affected by the pet trade. The NDB website contains information about how you can get involved and various events you can attend to support this year's NBD efforts.

For those of you who have a pet birds, don't miss 10 Things You Can Do to Make Your Bird Happy.

Find out more:

• National Bird Day (NBD)
• National Bird Day a Challenge to 'Think Outside the Cage' (NBD)
• National Bird Day (10,000 Birds)