Don't Feed The Birds (1 Viewer)

Kits

Picture Picker

Social Media Editor

• May 5, 2015

• #1

According to research by the School of Biological Sciences at the University of New Zealand, feeding birds may be upsetting the balance between established native species and newcomers.

Researchers compared the difference between residential gardens which left out bird food and those that did not and unsurprisingly found that those with food attracted a greater variety of species.

Article here.

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• May 5, 2015

• #2

Yep, could be very important in Britain too - I've suspected for some time that declines in Willow Tit, Marsh Tit, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, and Song Thrush in particular may be related to bird feeders encouraging more aggressive Great and Blue Tits, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, and Blackbirds, respectively, which then displace the less competitive species.

 

O

OlManRivah

New member

• May 6, 2015

• #3

Bird Feeders

I've been feeding birds for years and very rarely do I see a non-local species. When I do it's a migratory flock that has stopped by. B

 

J

James_Owen

Well-known member

• May 8, 2015

• #4

There was a study a couple of years ago which found reduced clutch sizes in woodland territories containing or nearby feeding stations, I think the species was the great tit. Certainly, more research needed.

So far as the UK goes, I could supply plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest species such as willow tit and lesser pecker can fend perfectly well in areas with bird feeders, so long as the rest of the habitat suits them too.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Jun 15, 2015

• #5

Not too many gardens are fortunate enought to have March or Willow Tit and even fewer with Lesser Pecker?


Andy

 

Helen O

Anything that flies

• Jun 21, 2015

• #6

I have up to 4 marsh tits; I am in the woods though...