There has been a largely theoretical, low-level debate swirling for years as to whether we should put out food for birds in our gardens. Generally, we are told that it is “wrong” to feed wildlife, as animals like coyotes, raccoons, geese, deer, pigeons, and many more can become habituated to handouts from humans and thus be deemed a neighborhood nuisance—or worse, a threat to be destroyed.[teaserbreak]
But, generally, the birds we attract to our gardens are “acceptable.” Chickadees, goldfinches, cardinals, titmice, nuthatches, hummingbirds, and so on are charming for most of us to see. During inclement winter weather, food can provide life-saving sustenance. As a life-long bird admirer and ornithological artist/illustrator, I am passionate about birds, and my garden is a small, suburban oasis.
But, apart from hummingbirds, I normally don’t feed in the summer, and I’m careful in the winter. There are downsides to feeding birds. Put simply, feeding stations can act as transfer points for diseases. Food or feeders that have gone mouldy may become the source of diseases spread by fungal spores.
Recently, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador asked folks to stop summer feeding, due to a deadly—for the birds—outbreak of frounce, a disease—also known as avian trichomoniasis—that is spread by a tiny protozoan called Trichomonas gallinae. It was found in “feeder” birds, like greenfinches and chaffinches, in Europe a few years ago, and occurred last year, and again this season, in Atlantic Canada. Seed-eating species are apparently most susceptible, although it has also been found in birds of prey. In Spain, it has been known to infect about a third of the wood pigeons, but it seems to pose little or no threat to humans or companion animals. The illness can also be spread via bird baths. A ten percent bleach solution will kill the parasite.
But, that is just one issue, and it illustrates the importance of keeping an eye on the news. It is always best, especially when the temperature is above freezing, to keep feeders and food, if used, fresh and clean.
Just north of me, the problem becomes bears. Although bears are big, they love to eat large numbers of very small things, like ant larvae and blueberries. Oh, and bird seed and suet, too! In the winter, bears hibernate in my region, so there’s no issue, and in winter the spread of disease among birds is least likely to occur.
Like all such issues, it’s complicated, with other issues of concern also factoring in, such as fears (I think mostly groundless) of making birds too dependent on human largesse. Both sides of the feed/don’t feed debate often argue with more passion than facts. My advice is to be prudent, thoughtful, informed, and considerate of neighbors who may not share your love of birds. And, keep feeders and food clean to be sure that you help and enjoy—not accidentally hurt—our wildlife.
Keep Wildlife in the Wild,
Barry