How to Fight Bird Feeder Bans

Bird lovers who live in an apartment, townhouse or condominium community who enjoy feeding birds and wildlife often run into opposition from neighbors who take an "anti-feeder" stance.

Before you take your feeders down, respond to bird feeder opponents with facts that will help you keep your backyard habitat (and neighborhood relations) intact.

Five myths/misconceptions about feeding the birds

Bird feeders attract rats and vermin

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

While they may be most visible when visiting 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 dependable supply of water (ponds, catch basins, sewers, puddles) hundreds of rats and mice already call it "home."

Spilled seed and/or seed husks on the ground are an eyesore, spread disease and are unsanitary

Old seeds or husks on the ground under bird feeders are unattractive and can be a breeding ground for mold growth, but modern, "no waste" seed blends virtually eliminate that problem.

These special blends of "no waste" seed are more expensive than the traditional bulk blends (with seeds like millet and striped sunflower that birds dislike), but the investment up front pays off in less mess, a neat and tidy yard and less evidence that you feed the birds.

Birds won't learn how to fend for themselves

Attracting birds with a dependable food source does not create a generation of feathered friends looking for "handouts." When a feeder is removed, birds don't drop dead due to laziness, either! Some people may find a "free lunch" irresistible, but there's no evidence that birds will go against their instincts for the same reason.

Offering food in late fall and winter will "trap" migratory species, and they'll die from exposure to wintry 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 its a north-south journey in the fall or a south-north trek. During the spring migration, birds follow the food source (insects) north. As plants and trees "go to seed" in the fall, the birds head south.

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

There's no argument there. If you're a fan of large flocks of birds, visit them at local parks. If you're a backyard birder that offers a variety of birdseed, suet and other appropriate foods, there's no reason to expect that huge flocks will suddenly appear.

Careful seed choice and maintaining feeders which keep food off the ground discourages undesirable species.

Using facts in your fight "for the birds" will ensure you can enjoy your hobby (and your neighbors) for many years to come.