Some experts are concerned that improper birdfeeding can disrupt birds’ natural migration and breeding patterns over the long term. Ornithologist Dr. David Bonter of Cornell University’s Project FeederWatch tells us how we can feed birds responsibly.
Weigh in: Do you think NYC is a good place to feed birds? Where do you set up your birdfeeder?
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Comments [6]
what some neighbors don't realize is that we don't live in the country and your birdfeeder creates a mess for other people's yards where people have pools or hang clothes. There is enough for birds to enjoy without creating the neighborhood feed center for the birds.
Nothing is quite like Tom Lehrer's "poisoning pigeons in the park."
Do pigeons spread any human diseases?
Speaking of diseases, what are the chances that birdfeeders spreading human communicable diseases? Avian flu comes to mind, but I'm not sure if the species of bird that spread flu come to bird feeders.
I feed the sparrows only in St Mark's Church Cemetery under the tree where they hang out. I bring them toasted unsalted shelled sunflower seeds. I do it on the sneak so the pigeons don't see and come and eat up everything. I get cardinals and blue jays on my window sill plush the squirrels. I also feed the squirrels in St. Marks too.
When I was younger, the mean kids told me that putting crushed up alka seltzer in a bird feeder would force the bird to eat some of it and then they would blow up. is this true? I have been wondering since I was 12.
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