To feed the birds or not? I ask myself this question every year when temperatures drop below freezing. Each night I imagine the little birds with their high metabolisms converting seeds into heat to get through the night. Some don’t make it. The question is as much about birds as it is about my role in nature. Nature is so out of balance, particularly in my urban neighborhood that the idea that nature will take care of itself if left alone is questionable. Of course ‘nature’ in a broad sense will continue as long as the sun rises each day, but if there is no food, water or shelter then there are no birds.
Inevitably, when I see the all the small songbirds searching for food on frozen ground, my heart melts and I buy birdseed. The catch is once I start, I know I have to keep going at least until insects (aka protein) start hatching in the spring. And birdseed is not cheap. Ideally, there would be enough berries and winter seeds left standing on grass, flowers and shrubs to support birds through the winter. With a suburban aesthetic of mowed lawns and pesticide laden weed-free gardens, many yards are as sanitized as hospitals.
So I feed the birds. It’s a relatively simple way to give care to the life in my yard. As you choose your own bird adventure, there are a few things to consider:
#1. Do you like birds? ⇨ No. Birds are freaky and they poop from the sky. Do NOT feed. ⇩ Yes. They are wonderful, entertaining and part of a healthy ecosystem. Go to question #2
#2. Do you keep chickens and ducks in your yard? ⇨ Yes. Poultry are susceptible to avian influenza, and while there is currently a low risk of outbreak among songbirds it's best to not feed songbirds near poultry. Do NOT feed. ⇩ No. Continue to question #3.
#3. Can you accept other animals like squirrels, hawks, coyotes, mice or rats in your yard? Even with elaborate strategies, stray bird seed may attract rodents like squirrels as well as their predators. ⇨ No. Do NOT feed birds. ⇩ Yes. All animals have a right to life and are part of nature’s food web. Go to next question.
#4. Are you ready to make a commitment to the birds in your yard? ⇨ No. Do not feed birds. ⇩ Yes. What’s your commitment style?
⇨ Low commitment. I’d love to but I’m commitment shy. Carry a small bag of sunflower seeds with you out and about. Leave surprises of food for birds and squirrels when no one is watching. Make a difference on a cold night. - Don’t leave seeds in your car unless you want mice passengers. - Plant native flowers and shrubs with seeds and berries. Native plants typically support the greatest diversity of birds and insects.
⇨ Half-in/half-out commitment. I like birds but I don’t know if I’m ready for a full commitment. Can we date first? I can commit to feeding birds on cold winter days through spring. Congrats! You’re a match for urban/suburban ground feeding birds like juncos, towhees, sparrows, jays, doves, crows… (This is currently my style). - Toss bird seed on the ground every day from Dec - May. Move around where you feed if you can, so seeds and scat don't pile up. In the NW, let the rains clean it up. - Plant native flowers and shrubs with seeds and berries that last throughout the winter like black hawthorn or snowberry. Some bird seed may sprout into sunflowers! - Provide a saucer or bowl with water, clean weekly to break the larvae to mosquito life cycle. - Decrease feeding once insects are prevalent, this may also help migrating birds move on in fall.
⇨ With all my heart! High commitment. I will gladly feed the birds everyday all year, and if I go out of town I have neighbors who can drop by to fill in. Congratulations! You will attract all kinds of birds! - Must be able to feed everyday and clean feeders daily or as often as possible. This prevents salmonella which is a problem for little birds like pine siskins. - Provide different kinds of seed at different heights to attract a diversity of birds. -You are also a match for supporting winter hummingbirds! Must be able to feed everyday and consistently clean feeders. Best to make your own feed to avoid commercial mixes that contain red dye (1 part refined white sugar/ 4 parts water). - Plant native flowers and shrubs with seeds and berries to balance their diet. - Provide a water source, clean weekly to break the mosquito life cycle.
Inspired by and in remembrance of wildlife tracker & survivalist Tom Brown Jr. (1/29/50 - 8/16/24). The last class I took live from Tom was in January, 2024 where he shared that he refilled bird feeders by his Jersey home weekly without fail. He taught the way of the caretaker and tracker up until the very end.
