Joseph Birds (29 October 1887 – 28 April 1966) was an English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

[3] After the war, he made a further 23 appearances for Stockport before moving to Third Division North outfit Nelson in the summer of 1922.

The team conceded only 10 goals at home in the league all season as they achieved promotion to the Second Division in 1922–23.

[5] In a higher league, Birds found first team opportunities limited, playing four times at the start of the 1923–24 campaign before being replaced by former Portsmouth goalkeeper Harry Abbott.

[3] Birds was married and served as an acting corporal in the Royal Garrison Artillery during the First World War.