To Feed or Not To Feed

Slender tubular feeders hang from glazed branches while dozens of tiny finches nibble black-oil sunflower from their tiny ports. Nearby, a slab of raw suet, secured to a thick birch trunk, constitutes a perch for a famished Hairy Woodpecker. Meanwhile, dozens of Blue Jays and Evening Grosbeaks descend from the canopy like ornate snowflakes, down to a table covered in corn and millet. Scenes like these from my parents' cottage in the hills of Quebec, kindled my fascination with living things. Being close to these creatures yielded a new world, one of harmony, beauty, drama and fragility.

Throughout the year, we lure birds to our property with free food. Benevolence is important, but not our only purpose. We take great pleasure in being surrounded by colour, animation and diversity. The fact that we are pleasing our guests with food is a bonus.

But, some argue that if we make it too easy for them, we reduce their ability to adapt, and survive in harsh conditions where food is less plentiful and more temporary. Perhaps this is true in some cases. And, sometimes feeding stations attract undesirable forms of wildlife. Still, there are many good arguments for feeding birds.

First, keep in mind that 70 to 90 percent of songbirds don't survive the first year. "Most birds die through inexperience, for they are constantly at risk from predators, disease, accident and food shortage. Newly independent fledglings are at greatest risk and mortality gradually decreases as the birds become more experienced" (A Dictionary of Birds - Buteo Books). Once a bird makes it through its first year of peril, it is likely to survive for several more years. The point is, a high mortality rate is normal.

I also believe birds do NOT depend on our free handouts. They merely modify their behaviour temporarily to take advantage of our generosity. Throughout migration, birds encounter abundant food sources. They stop to refuel, but their instincts push them on, leaving behind rich food supplies that might have been adequate for their survival. Around Ottawa, White-throated & White-crowned Sparrows are common during migration, but very rare in winter, even though they can survive harsh conditions where food is abundant.

In winter, many birds' daily routines incorporate several food sources in a wide area. If they relied on only one source of natural food, the supply would surely exhaust itself before the end of the season, and the birds' chance of survival would diminish. Black-capped Chickadees, for example, form small flocks and travel through large territories searching for food. If your feeders are along their route, they will stop for a visit. If you go on vacation, the birds might continue visiting, but move through your property much faster, spending more time in productive areas.

Many finches and other nomadic species move around constantly during the winter. They are unaffected by harsh conditions, provided they have plenty to eat. They move from one area to the next, capitalizing on their discoveries. A flock of Pine Grosbeaks can finish off a berry-rich mountain ash in a couple of days. Once finished, they move on. These species have successfully followed these feeding patterns much longer than humans have been on the planet.

Some species have become more common during winter because of bird feeders. They have a greater survival rate because it is easier for them to "battle the elements" on a full stomach. Mourning Doves and Northern Cardinals are success in winter. Although global warming may be a factor, I'm convinced they are slowly adapting to northern suburbia because of our free handouts. However, we can say the same thing about crows and gulls, two species that rarely come to bird feeders. In most areas, their populations are increasing in winter, because they have adapted to our refuse and garbage disposal.

Some birds occasionally wander out of their normal range, or fail to move far enough south in fall migration. These birds eventually become desperate for food since they find themselves in unfamiliar territory, a habitat that doesn't suit their normal adaptations. In these cases, when they find a rich food supply (like a bird feeder), their survival might depend on it. If the free handouts suddenly stop, winter's wrath might take its toll on the misguided bird. My parents had a Yellow-rumped Warbler coming to their feeder last winter. It fed on suet cakes that they conveniently cut into small pieces. Chances are this bird would have perished if it wasn't for my parents' diligence and generosity.

But, is this any different than caring for a pet, keeping livestock, or cultivating a beautiful garden? We all consume nature for our own benefit. In the case of birds, I believe we can feed them without guilt or worry, and just enjoy the show.