Pros And Cons Of Having A Bird Feeder

Today, more and more people want to feel connected to nature. For many, that means installing a bird feeder and getting an up-close view of wildlife. However, before installing this feature into your yard, learn about the pros and cons of bird feeders to make sure it's what you'll enjoy.

The biggest benefit of a bird feeder is that you can nourish and support migrating birds. Conversely, bird feeders can confuse birds, make them dependent, and spread diseases among other birds and animals. That said, attracting birds is often a net positive for your garden, as they can help pollinate your plants.

On the other hand, birds can help the spread of weeds throughout your yard. Follow along as we explore the pros and cons of a bird feeder.

Five Benefits Of A Bird Feeder

Bird feeders aren’t without their faults, but they also have many benefits. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be nearly as popular as they are. Installing a bird feeder comes with many plusses, including:

1. Supports Local Birds

Overdevelopment in many communities has created problems for the local wildlife. It has eliminated food sources for many birds and other animals, who must now look elsewhere for food. People buy a bird feeder because they want to offset such problems and support local birds.

This can make a big difference in urban areas that were previously more rural. You can’t reverse the effects of urbanization, but you can help the animals it affects. That said, you owe it to the birds to create a safe and sanitary environment. It’s also important to research the best food types based on the birds in your area.

2. Helps During Migration

Many bird species migrate in the spring and fall in search of food, shelter, and breeding grounds. They need energy to make such a long journey. That’s where a bird feeder can make a big difference in their migratory experience. The must stop and eat throughout the trip, and you can provide food.

Black oil sunflower seeds are perfect for refueling during migration, but birds also need dried worms for protein. Some people also put sugar water in a bird bath to support birds during migration. You don’t necessarily need to stock a bird feeder all year. However, you may want to during the migration seasons.

3. Natural Pest Control

Birds eat many bugs and creepy crawlers, including grubs, spiders, flies, mosquitoes, and more. However, they will step up their pest control duties if they have other reasons to hang around your yard. That’s why it helps to attract them with a bird feeder to inspire them to linger. They will eat many winged insects in your yard. This natural pest control method is much safer than using pesticides and insecticides.

4. Learn And Observe

The main reason why many people install a bird feeder is that they want to observe these beautiful animals. This is understandable, as you don’t typically get to watch them in your everyday life. A bird feeder make them feel comfortable enough stay in one place while they eat. This is one of the biggest benefits of a bird feeder.

5. Aids With Pollination

Attracting pollinators is good for your garden. Hummingbirds are among the best and most adorable pollinators in the world. Nectar-rich plants attract hummingbirds, but they will come to a bird feeder and a birdbath full of sugar water. Hummingbirds will flit throughout your garden and pollinate the plants. You’ll attract more and more pollinators once your garden becomes a rich environment for hummingbirds.

Five Downsides Of A Bird Feeder

Bird feeders are quite controversial, especially amongst conservationists. That doesn’t mean you’re a bad person for installing one, but you should be aware of the risks. A bird feeder comes with some downsides, such as:

1. Disease

Disease isn’t what most people think of when they imagine a bird feeder, however, this feature attracts many different types of birds who may not typically cross paths, or at least wouldn’t share food sources. When sharing food, birds can spread their saliva and droppings on the perch. Other birds can contract diseases and bacteria they wouldn’t have otherwise encountered. A bird feeder can also harm birds when the food gets moldy and contaminated due to rain. You may have the best intentions, but that won’t protect the animals from disease.

2. Messy

Anyone who has ever had a bird feeder will likely tell you they found messes around the bird feeder. These feathered creatures aren’t the cleanest eaters as it is, but with a bird feeder, seeds come out quickly and without much discretion. They fall to the ground and scatter around the general area. In some cases, plants can even unexpectedly grow beneath a bird feeder from the seeds.

3. Attracts Unwanted Animals

It’s easy to get excited when birds arrive at your bird feeder, because that’s what you expect. However, you’ll most likely find other animals crowding around it, too. That includes raccoons, rodents, and even snakes, especially if your bird feeder is on a pole.

Animals don’t discriminate too much when it comes to food. Opportunistic critters will approach most food sources and may continually return to your house if they are not discouraged. You can protect your bird feeder from pests by installing a seed tray and a rain cover. Hang the feeder and avoid putting climbable objects beneath it. That way, raccoons, opossums, and snakes can’t reach the bird feeder.

4. Birds Can Spread Weeds

Have you ever wondered why weeds keep coming back despite your best efforts? It could have something to do with your bird feeder. Birds often eat weed seeds and then spread them through their droppings while flying around. They’re more likely to scatter weed seeds if they have a reason to be in your yard, like if you have a bird feeder. Of course, birds can spread weeds to your yard even if you don’t have a bird feeder.

5. Accidental Injuries

Most people have heard of birds flying into windows. Unfortunately, birds can suffer serious injuries and even die after crashing into a window. This is a common problem for people who put bird feeders close to their homes.

Many people put it near a large window to enjoy the view or even entertain their cats. If you insist on getting a bird feeder, keep it away from your windows. Ideally, place a bird feeder 10 to 15 feet away from large obstacles, like windows, walls, and big branches to reduce the risk of painful or deadly collisions.

Are Bird Feeders Bad For Birds?

A bird feeder can be bad for birds in many situations, and conservationists often speak out against them. Bird feeders can spread disease not only among birds, but also among other animals, such as cats and dogs. There’s also the fear that birds will become dependent on this consistent food source and it will disrupt their survival instinct.

Regularly cleaning a bird feeder and filling it with high-quality food can offset many of these risks. It’s worth researching local conservation efforts before installing a bird feeder. Doing so will give you a better idea of what’s best for your local bird population.

Summing It Up

Bird feeders are nice in that they let you support birds during migration and help make up for food losses due to urbanization. Unfortunately, they are also messy, attract unwanted pests, and can spread diseases amongst different groups of birds. You can reduce the risks associated with a bird feeder if you place yours 10-15 feet away from windows and other obstacles.

Related Guides:

• How Do I Protect My Bird Feeders From The Rain?
• How To Attract Birds To Your Yard This Winter