Is Bird Feeding Harmful?

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Is Bird Feeding Harmful?

Picture of a Goldfinch eating from a bird feeder.

Feeders which encourage a songbird to place its head inside a hole can increase the risk of passing eye infections among birds. - Photo by Thomas Hermann/life.nbii.gov.

Bird watching and feeding is big business. An estimated 84% of Arkansans observe and feed songbirds around their homes, spending $42 million annually on bird food (2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation). Songbirds eat garden insects and mosquitoes, though sometimes birds can become pests when their droppings land in the wrong place or they peck fruit or siding on homes. Regardless, many people enjoy feeding hummingbirds in summer and songbirds in winter when food sources are scarce.

There is no clear evidence that feeding birds actually helps their survival, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. But it is generally believed some birds become dependent on feeders as a food source. Sick birds in particular may be attracted to feeders for a quick and easy meal. Wildlife biologists generally do not recommend supplemental feeding of big game, and some biologists believe the same logic applies to bird feeding. Bird feeding brings species in close contact with each other, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Very aggressive behaviors are observed more frequently around feeders than expected otherwise. Congregating songbirds may attract cats, hawks and other predators, increasing their risk to predation.

Despite these potential problems, bird feeding can be done ethically and intelligently. Bird feeding connects us with nature, and is an avenue for teaching children about the outdoors. Actions can be taken to minimize the risk of transmitting diseases and predation.

Keep feeders clean, even when there are no signs of disease. Ideally, a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water should be administered every two to four weeks, or once a week if sick birds are present. Make enough solution to immerse an empty, clean feeder for two or three minutes, then allow to air dry.
If diseased birds are present, consider taking your feeders down for a couple weeks to encourage birds to disperse.
Sweep droppings from under the feeder to avoid growth and transmission of Aspergillus fungus and Salmonella bacteria, the causes of most common bird-feeder disease.
Move your feeders annually so that accumulated droppings and seed husks decompose.
Multiple feeders should be spaced apart to avoid over-crowding.
Select a feeding location in an open space where birds can clearly view approaching predators from the ground or air.
Provide nearby trees or shrub cover as a place for birds to flee, but trees or shrub cover should also be far enough away such that an approaching predator could not “sneak up” on unsuspecting birds. (Cover can be 15 to 20 feet from the feeder.)
Never provide birds with musty, wet or moldy food. Rodents which get into stored food can spread diseases to birds.

With these few simple tips, intelligent bird feeding can be an enjoyable pastime with minimal disturbance to songbird populations and the natural world.

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