Should we really feed wild birds when the weather is severe?

Question

Should we really feed wild birds when the weather is severe?

Answer 1

If you are going to feed them in the winter time, you need to be consistent, or they will starve.  Feed them until spring.

Answer 2

The Humane Society (see link below), The Nature Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife and a number other other organizations with conservation ties are strong advocates for feeding birds in the winter months.

We created a significant presence in so many habitats that we've deprived a number of birds of not only food sources, but in some cases even shelter.  It's only right that we do what we can to offset that impact.

The Humane Society advises to, "Keep your feeding schedule consistent," and to provide water when at all possible.

Answer 3

No.

Answer 4

Feeding birds in the winter isn't much different than the feeding of elk near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  See, humans have taken over many areas where animals & birds used to get food in the past, hence, humans have tried to compensate by feeding the animals/birds.  Unfortunately, in some cases, this does cause problems in and of itself, including dependency on humans and artificially sustaining too large of a population.  These artificially high populations are subject to crashing should conditions get too harsh...

Is it bad to feed the birds?  Not really.  I used to do it at my house, until mice began infesting my yard going after the seeds that fell to the ground.  However, I still keep a bird bath with "open water" (I've got a de-icer) so that the birds have access to drinking water.

Answer 5

Yes, all winter, in fact.

Studies indicate that birds get about 31- 33% of their winter food from feeders.  Even when the weather is mild I still feed them because it brings them into the area and they consume leftover weed seeds and any insects that might venture out, so they're doing work that  will help keep the summer a little more pleasant.

For really bad weather, I put a piece of plywood out leaning over two tree stumps or big rocks or wooden stakes, so there

is a dry, clear area to put seed. A thick brush pile works too.

They just announced two days ago that over a hundred additional species of songbirds are now being considered to be added to the endangered species list in the Eastern U.S.

alone. If your feeders help even a couple of local flocks to survive another winter, you did something good and worthwhile.

Answer 6

When the weather is "severe" (i.e. stormy), they probably won't come out to your feeder. An occasional feed will probably help some. If you feed on a regular basis, you are usually advised to feed thru the winter until the natural food becomes more abundant. On the other hand, the birds would not be in your neighborhood unless they knew where to get food that you didn't put out for them. Don't worry if you miss a few days.

Answer 7

Is it:  should we, or is it will I?

Of course I will - All through the winter.  Throw in the occasional squirrel too.  One of my pleasures is sitting at my table, morning coffee in hand, counting the different species at my feeders.

Please don't tell me if I'm doing any harm - even if I am.