There’s a growing trend in the “not in our backyard” movement that affects urban and suburban backyard bird-feeders alike. In most cases, it’s David versus Goliath, with powerful and uncompromising condo associations ordering the removal of bird feeders from entire property. Even private landowners can feel besieged by anti-bird feeder activists driven by fear 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 dorm) want to attract birds to their yard or window, but are often opposed by neighbors and management.

Five myths/misconceptions about feeding birds

Although passionate and emotional arguments may be the initial response to an order to “remove your feeders” (often pitting neighbor against neighbor), real-world situations have shown that there are strategies that will help you maintain your pet’s habitat. backyard (and neighborhood relations). intact.

Bird feeders attract rats and vermin

Rats and mice populate houses, garages, outbuildings, lawns, parks, and even vehicles! They have thrived alongside human habitation for thousands of years.

While they may be more visible when they visit your backyard during the day, bird feeders are not necessary for their survival. The number one resource required for rats and mice to survive (and thrive) is water. If your neighborhood has a reliable water supply (ponds, sinkholes, sewers, creeks, puddles, wading pools, rain barrels, etc.), chances are good that hundreds of rats and mice already call it “home.”

Spilled seeds and/or seed hulls on the ground are unsightly, spread disease and are unhygienic

Old seeds or shells on the ground under bird feeders are unattractive and can be a breeding ground for mold growth, but the seed shells themselves do not harbor disease or infection. With a wide variety of “zero waste” seed mixes available in supermarkets, garden centers and online, it is now possible to completely eliminate the problem of “old seed” in the soil.

These special “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 off in less mess, a yard neat and tidy and less proof that you feed the birds.

Another advantage of these expensive seed mixes is that anti-feeders will see that you are willing to “put your money where your mouth is” to ease some of their worries.

Birds won’t 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, birds don’t drop dead from laziness either! Although people find a “free lunch” more than enough reason to go against their instincts, there is no evidence that birds share the same mentality.

Offering food in late fall and winter will “trap” 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 trek. During spring migration, birds follow the food source (insects) north. As the plants and trees “seed” in the fall, the birds head south.

Pigeons, starlings, crows, etc. they are loud and messy birds and their waste products damage the area and dirty car finishes

There is no argument there. If your primary interest is attracting large, noisy, messy flocks of what some consider “winged rats” to your neighborhood, you’ll need more than these tips to change your neighbors’ minds. However, if you are not already overrun 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 scheduling of your backyard cafe can keep the “less desirable” elements of the neighborhood from taking over.

Visit specialty stores in your neighborhood or get tips and advice from online nature-oriented communities and blogs.

(c) 2010 kathy vespaziani