Why use bird feeders?

There are several reasons on why people use bird feeders. Feeding birds has become an increasingly popular activity. Most people engage in this activity usually during the winter months. Feeding wild birds has raised some concerns regarding its effects on birds. There have been a few studies made on the use of bird feeders, on the drawbacks they present and on the advantages they provide. Here are some of them.

A study on feeding chickadees and how it affects their winter survival was made and published in The Dynamics of Bird Feeding by the National Bird-Feeding Society. It was found that since the chickadees' natural supply of food becomes widely dispersed during winter, they become more inclined to sample any food source available. According to the researchers who conducted this study, the need for supplemental feeding may be greater in areas where "natural" food is not readily available, like suburban or residential areas. They felt that "feeders can be an important wildlife management tool for maintaining populations of feeder users in suburban areas." Feeders also amplify positive interactions between humans and wild creatures. "Although chickadees depend primarily on natural food sources, feeders provide an important supplement to their natural diet."

Another study was made on the effect of feeding birds in winter. This study, also published on The Dynamics of Bird Feeding, showed that birds with access to bird feeders have higher survival rates. The study also showed that birds with access to feeders retained higher weights and were able to restore energy sources with minimal scavenging. Though there were no differences in survival rates during the summer, the greatest difference in survival rates among chickadees with and without access to bird feeders took place during periods of at least five days when the temperature went below 18 degrees Centigrade.

Generally, there are several advantages to using bird feeders. Some of the rewards from bird feeding are listed here.

- It is the most readily available way of interacting with wild life. Some people will rarely get the opportunity to interact with animals in the wild. Bird feeding provides an easy way for people, both kids and adults, to watch and observe the birds in their natural element.
- The presence of birds around our homes is highly educational. We can learn their habits, what they feed on and when they feed. We can also find out how they interact with other birds.
- Watching birds feeding in your backyard is highly entertaining and the presence of these animals can brighten any dreary landscape.
- Having birds feed in your backyard can also serve as a form of therapy for people who are confined to stay indoors due to old age, sickness or the winter cold.
- Using bird feeders contributes to the birds' survival and provides them with a safe area to feed in.
- Having decorative and unique bird feeders and bird baths can add to the beauty of your back yard.
- People become more aware and more interested in wildlife through this activity.
- The increase in interest, knowledge and awareness on wildlife can and will lead to programs that benefit all wildlife.

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