By Emma Russett
A beloved pastime for many nature lovers, feeding birds is a great way to observe and engage with the feathered friends we share our land, waters, and air with. To most people, feeding birds is a relaxing, low effort hobby that is enjoyed by both the feeder and the birds who are lucky enough to get a free meal; and for the most part, this is true! However, birds are still wildlife, and just like any other living thing, it’s important to be mindful of how your actions might impact the species you interact with, as well as the environment around you.
With this in mind, you may be thinking to yourself: “How can I be sure I’m feeding responsibly?” And we’re here to squash that worry. In this guide, we’ll be going over why it’s ok to feed birds, particularly when paying special attention to appropriate seed blends, feeder types and maintenance, and general safety considerations. We’ll also touch on the types of birds you can expect to see at your feeder in The Land Between! But first, some background info...
Why Fed Isn’t Dead for Birds
At The Land Between, we always advise that ‘fed is dead’ for wildlife. You can read more about that here but the gist of it is as follows: feeding wildlife typically impacts them more negatively than positively and by virtue of that, it impacts the ecosystems and their relationship to it and others in it (especially humans) negatively as well. It can even, as the saying goes, result in mortality for wildlife.
So, why is feeding birds beneficial when it’s generally not advised for other wildlife? Unlike other wildlife, it's possible to feed birds with food that they would normally find in nature anyway. Since many of these birds are in decline, feeding them can aid in their conservation. Additionally, by offering a variety of bird feed in your feeders, you can attract a diverse range of bird species, helping to promote biodiversity in your local ecosystem and contributing to the overall health of the environment. Finally, bird feeders are a great way to supplement nutrition during our harsh winter months when natural food is scarce and we know that certain populations are heavily reliant on human feeding in order to make it through the winter. This is especially important as climate change creates more and more unpredictable weather patterns and thus food insecurity. All of this can strengthen ecosystems, as birds help control insect populations, disperse seeds, and contribute to pollination, all of which are essential for a healthy ecosystem. That’s good for everyone!
But first, some important considerations
With all good things, there are sure to be some downsides. When feeding birds in your area, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Invasive Birds: Improper food choices may attract non-native species like the European Starling, House Sparrow, and Eurasian Collared Dove. These species are known to disrupt local ecosystems and out-compete native and at-risk species for resources.
Avian Diseases: The risk of disease transmission among birds is very real if proper care is not taken to uphold the cleanliness of your feeders.
Invasive Plants: Certain feed blends may contain the seeds of invasive species in Ontario. Be sure to check the ingredients of any seed you purchase. You can also sterilize your seeds at home to prevent sprouting and spread.
Other Animals: It’s inevitable that any food left outdoors will attract a variety of wildlife in addition to the birds you’re looking to feed. Small mammals like squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons are likely culprits you might see at your feeders. It’s important to deter this behaviour, as feeding these critters can cause them to become more bold and aggressive, and may result in dependency on the food source. There are several ways to deter these unwelcome guests, but the most effective is simply raising the height of your feeder.
Insecticides: In addition to nuts and seeds, many birds (including some of the most at-risk) feed on insects as well. Given that insecticides are indiscriminate in that they kill species outside of the intended pest, the application of insecticides removes an important food source for many birds and other species. It is therefore best to avoid using insecticides on your property if you want to support birds!
Choosing the right bird feeder
Feeder Type
There are various types of bird feeders available, including platform feeders, hopper feeders, tube feeders, and suet feeders. Each type attracts different bird species, so choose one that suits the birds native to your area.
Feeder Material
Opt for feeders made from durable materials like metal or high-quality plastic. This ensures longevity, makes cleaning much easier, and prevents damage caused by weather or squirrels.
Feeder Size
Consider the size of the feeder in relation to the birds you want to attract. A larger feeder will accommodate bigger birds, while smaller feeders are perfect for finches and other small species.
Feeder Placement
Place feeders in safe and accessible locations, away from potential predators like cats, squirrels, and raccoons. Hang feeders at different heights to accommodate a variety of birds with different foraging habits.
Choosing the right bird feed
Variety
Provide a mix of bird feed to attract different species. Seeds like sunflower (striped and black oil), white millet, nyjer, and safflower are popular choices that cater to a wide range of birds.
What to Avoid
While it might be tempting to toss out bread scraps, it's best to avoid feeding birds processed food. Many birdseed mixes also include filler ingredients like red millet, oats, wheat, rice, and milo that birds will mostly overlook and discard into your yard. These items lack the essential nutrients birds need for their well-being and should be avoided.
Suet
Suet is a high-energy food that is especially beneficial during colder months. It's made from animal fat and can attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other insect-eating birds. Be sure to check suet feeders regularly however and only use them in colder months, as warm temperatures can quickly cause spoilage.
Fruits & Nectar
Consider adding fruits or providing a nectar solution for hummingbirds. Nectar can easily be made at home by mixing sugar and water is a surefire way to see hummingbirds in your backyard. Fruits like oranges and berries can attract species like Orioles, Tanagers, Waxwings, and Woodpeckers. If fruit is used, it will need to be checked regularly and discarded before it spoils.
Feeding etiquette & best practices
Responsible bird feeding goes beyond just filling a feeder, and there are some important etiquette and practices to keep in mind. First, be sure to regularly clean your bird feeders to prevent the spread of diseases and pathogens among birds. Wash feeders with mild soap and water and rinse thoroughly before refilling. Spoilage and bacteria growth will occur more frequently in feeders with filler ingredients, as they absorb water more readily. Second, be sure to commit to keeping your feeders consistently filled, especially during times of high demand like the winter, as birds will come to rely on your feeders as a source of food. Birds also prefer fresh seeds, so if you notice a decline in traffic to your feeders, it may be time to swap out the stale seeds for some fresh ones. Finally, you might also consider providing a fresh water source, such as a birdbath, to complement bird feeding. Birds need water not only for drinking but also for grooming. As is the case with feeding, be sure to change the water regularly and clean bathing structures regularly as well!
Birds of The Land Between
Meet some common as well as some at-risk species in The Land Between by clicking through the slides below!
Common species in TLB
At-risk species in TLB
In summary
Responsible bird feeding is a fun and fulfilling activity that connects us with the natural world around us. When following the appropriate guidelines and safety recommendations, you can create a safe backyard haven for the birds that call The Land Between their home. So, set up your feeder, grab a pair of binoculars, and enjoy the beautiful colours and sounds that these feathered visitors bring to your outdoor spaces. Your efforts will make a meaningful impact on the lives of local birds while bringing joy to your own life!
Sources
“11 Tips for Feeding Backyard Birds”. Audubon. 27 Sept. 2011, www.audubon.org/news/11-tips-feeding-backyard-birds.
“Keeping Birds Safe At Your Feeder.” Nature Canada, 9 Feb. 2022, www.naturecanada.ca/news/blog/keeping-birds-safe-at-your-feeder/.
“Feeding Birds: A Quick Guide to Seed Types.” All About Birds, 20 Apr. 2009, www.allaboutbirds.org/news/types-of-bird-seed-a-quick-guide/.
“Guide to the Common Birds of The Land Between.” The Land Between, www.thelandbetween.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Guide-to-the-Common-Birds-of-The-Land-Between.pdf.
“Species at Risk in Ontario”. Ontario. www.ontario.ca/page/species-risk-ontario.
“Strategies to Prevent and Control Bird Feeder Associated Diseases and Threats”. Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/docs/fact_sheets/Bird_Feeder_Strategies_Trifold.pdf.
“Why Bird Feeding Is Important.” Wild Bird Feeding Institute, 30 Nov. 2021, www.wbfi.org/2021/11/30/why-bird-feeding-is-important/.
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