There is a growing trend in the “not in our backyard” movement impacting bird feeders alike in urban and suburban backyards. In most cases, it’s David vs. Goliath, with powerful and unyielding condo associations ordering the removal of bird feeders from the entire property. Even private landowners can feel besieged by fear-driven anti-bird feeder activists or myths about the “danger” of feeding birds and wildlife in their backyard.
Bird lovers who live in an apartment or condo (or even a bedroom) want to attract birds to their patio or window, but they often encounter opposition from neighbors and management.
Five myths / misconceptions about feeding birds
Although passionate and emotional arguments may be the initial response to a command to “knock down your feeders” (often pitting one neighbor against another), real-world situations have shown that there are strategies that will help you keep your habitat in the backyard (and neighborhood relations). intact.
Bird feeders attract rats and vermin
Rats and mice populate homes, garages, outbuildings, lawns, parks, and even vehicles! They have thrived alongside human habitation for thousands of years.
While they may be more visible when you visit your backyard during the day, bird feeders are not necessary for their survival. The number one resource necessary for rats and mice to survive (and thrive) is water. If your neighborhood has a reliable supply of water (ponds, catchment basins, sewers, streams, puddles, wading pools, rain barrels, etc.), it is very likely that hundreds of rats and mice already call it “home.”
Spilled seeds and / or seed husks on the ground are an eyesore, spread disease and are unhealthy
Old seeds or husks on the ground under bird feeders are unattractive and can be a breeding ground for mold growth, but the seed husks themselves do not harbor disease or infection. With a wide variety of “no-waste” seed mixes available in supermarkets, garden centers and online, it is now possible to completely eliminate the problem of “old seeds” in the soil.
These specialty “no-waste” seed mixes are more expensive than traditional “bulk” mixes (containing mostly undesirable seeds like millet and striped sunflower), but the initial investment pays for itself in less clutter, a clean and tidy garden. and less evidence that you feed the birds.
Another advantage of these expensive seed mixes is that feeders opponents will see that you are willing to “put your money where your mouth is” to alleviate some of their worries.
Birds will not learn to fend for themselves
Attracting birds to your backyard with a reliable food source doesn’t create a generation of feathered friends looking for “handouts.” When a feeder is removed, the birds also do not drop dead due to laziness. Although people find a “free lunch” reason enough to go against their instincts, there is no evidence that birds share the same mindset.
Offering food in late fall and winter will “catch” migratory species and they will die from exposure to winter weather.
Having an abundant food source doesn’t change the fact that the signal to “migrate” comes from changes in the amount of daylight, whether it’s a north-south trip in the fall or a south-north trip. During the spring migration, birds follow the food source (insects) north. As the plants and trees “go to seed” in the fall, the birds head south.
Pigeons, starlings, crows, etc. They are noisy and messy birds and their waste products damage the area and finishes of dirty cars
There is no discussion there. If your main interest is attracting large, noisy, and messy flocks of what some consider to be “winged rats” to your neighborhood, you will need more than these tips to change the minds of your neighbors. However, if you are not already invaded by flocks of starlings or pigeons, it is not inevitable that they will find your backyard in the future. In fact, careful seed choice, effective bird feeder design, and backyard cafeteria scheduling can keep the “less desirable” elements of the neighborhood from taking over.
Visit specialty stores in your neighborhood or get tips and advice from nature-oriented blogs and online communities.
(c) 2010 kathy vespaziani