Should we feed wild birds?
White-breasted nuthatch at a suet feeder beside Brown’s Inlet on January 6.
Photo: Ben Campbell-Rosser
Should we feed wild birds?
By Ben and Oliver CampbellRosser
Humans are drawn to nature. We are especially attracted to the colours, songs and flight of wild birds. Putting up a bird feeder is an easy way to bring these dazzling creatures closer to us. But is it a good idea to put up a bird feeder? The answer is more complicated than one might expect.
The main benefit of a bird feeder is that it can increase the survival rate of birds during harsh conditions, such as winter, or stressful times, such as migration or breeding. A feeder may bring birds into our spaces, increasing biodiversity and assisting with insect and weed control. Birds at feeders also increase our awareness of the natural world. This can create a broader appreciation of the environment and wildlife. Connections with nature have been shown to benefit human mental wellbeing.
The drawbacks of bird feeders are that they concentrate birds together in greater numbers and bring different species into close contact. The negatives can include increases in disease, predation, collisions and rodents. Fortunately, each of these concerns can be addressed.
Birds may infect one another, or the feeder itself could harbour pathogens or parasites. Having two or more feeders each with a different feed can reduce crowding and provide some separation of species. Feeders need to be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. Swapping out a dirty feeder with a clean one is an easy fix. Forgo feeders that allow droppings to accumulate with the feed.
Predators, like hawks and cats, can target a feeder. Feeders ought to be near enough vegetation to provide sufficient cover from hawks, and far enough from the ground to be out of the reach of cats. Having a feeder up during only the winter months will greatly diminish the opportunities for cats.
Many millions of birds are killed annually by flying into windows which reflect the sky or outdoor foliage. The proximity of feeders can increase the number of strikes. Picture windows situated at right angles to one another can be deadly. Glass needs to be made visible to birds by adhering anti-collision tape or other products. Keeping shutters, blinds or curtains closed may help. Go outside and imagine what a bird might see.
Many commercial feeders are designed to be squirrel proof. Minimizing the amount of uneaten feed and shells on the ground beneath a feeder will reduce its appeal to other rodents. To reduce ground spillage, purchase already shelled seeds. Avoid feeds containing products that the birds at your feeder may not want.
Determine which type of birds you wish to attract, and which type of feeder and feed works best for those birds. Common feeder types include hopper, platform, seed tube, suet cage and hummingbird. Common feeds include peanuts, cracked corn, suet and seeds such as sunflower, nyjer and millet. Provide high-quality birdfeed. Avoid bread and processed foods.
In the Glebe, some of the more common native species at a winter feeder are blackcapped chickadee, whitebreasted nuthatch, redbreasted nuthatch, northern cardinal, American goldfinch, darkeyed junco, downy woodpecker and hairy woodpecker. Chickadees will feed from your hand. Cardinals are shy. Goldfinch love nyjer seed. Juncos feed primarily on spillage on the ground. Woodpeckers prefer suet. Some non-native species at the feeder include the house sparrow and European starling. Large numbers of either of these species can temporarily dominate a feeder. The domestic (or rock) pigeon can also be abundant but usually feeds on the ground.
There is the concern that bird feeders might alter the normal feeding or migratory behaviours of certain species. This is true in some cases, but global warming and habitat loss have more profound effects on the lives of birds. It has been estimated that North America has nearly three billion fewer wild birds today than in 1970, reflecting a 25-per-cent drop in total numbers. This reduction has affected most North American species.
Feeding wild birds is an amazing way to connect with nature. It is, though, a responsibility. Location of your feeder requires some thought. One ought to choose feeders and feed suitable for the desired species and seasons. You need commit to monitoring your feeder and keeping it filled and clean. This will require some time and a bit of money. If the best practices are followed, a bird feeder can enhance the lives of both birds and humans.
Oliver and Ben Campbell-Rosser are residents of the Glebe, and Glebe Report carriers. Oliver is a Grade 8 student in the Virtual Learning Option at Agincourt Road Public School. Ben is a retired academic.