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Feeding Wild Birds: A Balance Between Care and Ecosystem Preservation

Feeding wild birds is a beloved activity for many, especially during the harsh winter months when natural food sources are scarce. However, as our feathered friends flock to feeders, it’s essential to consider the broader environmental impact of this well-meaning gesture.

Birds, especially in colder climates, face challenges finding food during winter. Grasses are covered by snow, berries are few, and insects are hard to find. Bird feeders provide an invaluable lifeline, offering black oil sunflower seeds, suet, and other high-energy foods such as peanuts that help sustain them through the colder months.

Yet, new research has uncovered a surprising downside to feeding birds. A study led by Northern Arizona University alumnus Andrew Abraham reveals that backyard feeders are contributing to ecological shifts by introducing excess nutrients into local environments. Bird food, often rich in fats and proteins, contains high levels of phosphorus. While phosphorus is vital for plant and animal life, excess phosphorus can disrupt ecosystems, contributing to issues like eutrophication, where algae growth disrupts water ecosystems and harms aquatic life.

When birds feed and travel, they disperse these nutrients into the local environment, which can affect plant and animal life in unintended ways. While feeders are certainly beneficial in providing food, overfeeding or providing low-quality food can exacerbate environmental problems in the long run.

So, what should you feed birds to strike a balance? Black oil sunflower seeds, for example, are an excellent choice. These seeds are easy for birds to crack open, provide essential nutrients, and are much less likely to introduce unwanted weeds or chemicals into the environment. Avoid mixtures of grains and corn that might not meet the birds’ nutritional needs, and instead, opt for clean, healthy seeds.

Feeding wild birds not only supports these beautiful creatures during tough winter months but can also play a role in protecting vital ecosystems, such as the temperate grasslands. Choosing the right bird seed can have a profound impact on grassland conservation efforts. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recognized temperate grasslands as the world’s most endangered ecosystem, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation. By selecting bird seed that promotes the health of native bird species, such as black-oil sunflower seeds, we can support the biodiversity of these ecosystems. These grasslands are home to numerous bird species, including grassland-dependent species, whose survival is intertwined with the health of their environment. By avoiding seeds that may introduce invasive species or disrupt local habitats, bird feeders can become a tool for grassroots conservation, enhancing not just bird populations but also supporting the fragile ecosystems that sustain them.

Feeding birds is not only about providing for our local wildlife but also about fostering a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Regular cleaning of feeders is also essential to prevent disease spread and ensure that we’re providing a safe haven for these beautiful creatures.

As we enjoy the sights of birds flitting around our feeders, let’s remember that the best way to help them thrive is by making informed, eco-friendly choices. Care for the birds, care for the planet—it’s a simple yet impactful balance that benefits both.

Bibliography

Abraham, A. (2024, August). “Bird feeders may be polluting local environments with excess nutrients.” Phys.org. Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2024-08-birds-polluting-local-environments.html

All About Birds. (2022, March 23). “Avian influenza outbreak: Should you take down your bird feeders?” Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/avian-influenza-outbreak-should-you-take-down-your-bird-feeders/

Birds Canada. (n.d.). “Help respond to the avian influenza outbreak.” Birds Canada. Retrieved from https://www.birdscanada.org/help-respond-to-the-avian-influenza-outbreak

Bird Canada. (n.d.). “What should you put out to feed birds during the winter?” Bird Canada. Retrieved from https://birdcanada.com/what-should-you-put-out-to-feed-birds-during-the-winter/

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. (n.d.). “Harsh realities for wintering grassland birds.” Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. Retrieved from https://www.birdconservancy.org/harsh-realities-for-wintering-grassland-birds/

Floral Encounters. (n.d.). “Feeding wild birds in the winter months: How to provide safe and nutritious food.” Floral Encounters. Retrieved from https://www.floralencounters.com/articles/garden_projects/articles2.jsp?page=Feeding_wild_birds_in_the_winter_months_how_to.jsp&srsltid=AfmBOorPvXIEC04RGmtkLXjVolKKIgRvBBQ1VzLnVQrKfg8yK-7DTg8Y

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Temperate Grasslands: The World’s Most Endangered Ecosystem. February 6, 2021, https://iucn.org/sites/default/files/import/downloads/rev_vision_note_us_size_feb_6_screen_quality.p

Peterson, A. (n.d.). “The relationship between bird feeding and the local ecosystem.” University of Nebraska-Lincoln Digital Commons. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1051&context=tpn

Prairiebirder. (2012, November 9). “Feeding birds in the winter.” Prairiebirder Blog. Retrieved from https://prairiebirder.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/feeding-birds-in-the-winter/

Saskatchewan Government. (n.d.). “Avian influenza in wild birds.” Saskatchewan.ca. Retrieved from https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/environment-public-health-and-safety/wildlife-issues/fish-and-wildlife-diseases/avian-influenza-in-wild-birds

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′

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Part SE 23-36-6 – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A

Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A

S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A

NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063

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Ovocontrol vs Avitrol for Pigeons

SASKATOON ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SEAC) Friday, May 17, 2024, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Item 8.1 Small Swale and Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – Natural Area Management and Conceptual Master Plans [CC2023-0406]

Just In! National Geographic October 21, 2020 Rachel Fobar – Ovocontrol is a viable option that reduces flock size via attrition not poisoning and is safe for predators…. Jan Shadick of LSWR has been suggesting Ovocontrol for a longtime.

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas urgently call for action to address the concerning use of the neurotoxin Avitrol in our city. Following up on the initiative spearheaded by Jan Shadick from Living Sky Rehabilitation Rescue [see bibliography], who garnered approximately 3,000 signatures for a petition to ban Avitrol, we are determined to see this through. We appreciate the efforts of Shadick, which led to the City of Saskatoon agreeing to cease the use of Avitrol on its properties in 2019. However, it is now paramount that we rally again for the presentation made by Shadick on June 2, 2021 to ask for a city wide ban on Avitrol to protect the afforestation areas, and to protect all Saskatoon off leash recreation areas in Saskatoon.

Avitrol, often used to reduce pigeon numbers, is a highly inhumane method of culling a species population. Beyond the immediate cruelty inflicted upon pigeons, the use of Avitrol has devastating consequences for our local ecosystem. Pigeons play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, and their indiscriminate poisoning disrupts the delicate harmony of our environment. An observer from the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan (WRSOS) reported witnessing and monitoring two owlet broods this spring alone. Great Horned Owls can have anywhere from 3-4 owlets at a time. Sadly, the fledglings were found on the ground (which is normal) and yet were not faring well. Upon consultation with a veterinarian, it was determined that both broods were likely victims of pigeon poisoning. While the larger parent owl may perhaps survive the toxin in their system due to their larger size, the vulnerable smaller owlets succumbed to its effects and both owlet families were tragically lost. Cornell University’s All About Birds estimates that for Great Horned Owl predator species, their territory to feed their young ranges from just under 0.1 square miles (0.2 square kilometers) to over one square mile (3 square kilometers). An urban greenspace such as Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area at 326 acres should be a safe semi-wilderness habitat and not see the ravages of an inhumane poison such as Avitrol!

The Humane Society, firmly believes that killing animals, regardless of the method, is not only cruel but also ineffective in addressing the underlying issues. Instead, it perpetuates a vicious cycle of violence.

One such example is the misleadingly marketed Avitrol brand poison, which is often used to eliminate pigeons. Despite being labeled as a “flock frightening agent” or “repellent,” Avitrol is, in reality, a potent nervous system poison. Birds that ingest it suffer from agonizing convulsions before succumbing to death. This method of control not only inflicts immense suffering upon the birds but also traumatizes any individuals, particularly children, who witness or attempt to aid the dying animals.

Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize that pigeons are integral to our local food web. They serve as prey for various predatory birds, including Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, Snowy Owls, Northern Saw Whet Owls, Short-eared Owls and others in Saskatoon and area. Additionally, other natural predators such as foxes (including the species at risk swift fox), and snakes also contribute to controlling pigeon populations. Unfortunately, human intervention has become the most significant threat to pigeons, outweighing the impacts of natural predation and by using avitrol, the effects of human poisoning multiplies exponentially through the food chain.

Avicide poisons such as Avitrol are widely regarded as inhumane due to their adverse effects on birds, and as a result, they are prohibited for use on most wild bird species. Additionally, there is a significant risk posed to companion animals like dogs, cats, and other carnivores if they ingest birds that have been poisoned or are in the process of dying from poison. This not only endangers the health of your four-legged companions but also underscores the inherent risks associated with using poison as a control method. As stated on the Avitrol website, the use of their product inevitably results in some level of mortality. Additionally, it cautions that the poison can be lethal to any invertebrate species that consumes it or an that consumes an poisoned pigeon, extending beyond its intended target of birds.

Furthermore, poisoning birds is ultimately ineffective in the long term. While it may temporarily reduce the population of a particular flock, others will often take their place, perpetuating a cycle of control measures. Instead of resorting to lethal methods, it is more pragmatic to focus on making your property less appealing or hospitable to birds. This approach offers a more sustainable and humane solution to bird-related issues on your property.[This Old House How To Get Rid of Birds on Your Property]

We feel that “you cannot protect what you don’t know.”

We must recognize that we are in a critical era witnessing the sixth silent mass extinction. As stewards of our planet, it is our responsibility to be the voice for nature and advocate for sustainable practices. This aligns with the goals of the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land, and Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities. Further, the City’s Strategic Plan for 2013-2023 highlights Environmental Leadership as a key objective, with Saskatoon’s Ecological Footprint serving as a measure of success. By taking action to ban Avitrol city wide, we contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of our precious ecosystems.

In our forthcoming letter to the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee (SEAC), we emphasize the ripple effect of Avitrol usage, particularly on vulnerable species such as the Majestic Great Horned Owl. Recent observations from the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area have revealed alarming declines in owl populations, with evidence suggesting that owlets have fallen victim to pigeon poisoning. This tragic outcome underscores the urgent need for action to protect our wildlife from the harmful effects of Avitrol. So, we now realize that pigeons are not the only ones facing this cruel inhumane death by this poison.

As responsible stewards of our environment, it is imperative that we take decisive action to prevent further harm to our wildlife. By standing together, we can send a powerful message to city officials and ensure the welfare of all creatures within our community.

Thank you for your consideration and support in this crucial matter. Together, we can make a difference. Please forward this communication to whomever may be an advocate for the protection and conservation our majestic and diverse owl species, and other native prey animals of our moist mixed grassland ecosystem of Saskatoon and area.

Bibliography:

The City of Saskatoon says it has stopped poisoning pigeons

City of Saskatoon Pigeon Control Response December 2, 2019

What to do about pigeons

Saskatoon to stop using neurotoxin banned in other cities for pigeon control

Wildlife rehabilitation centre asking Saskatoon to ban use of neurotoxin on pigeons

Saskatoon to stop using neurotoxin banned in other cities for pigeon control

Saskatoon woman asking city to ban toxic bird control substance

Wildlife rehab centre wants ban on pigeon control products

City to ban toxins that poison Saskatoon pigeons

A Call to Ban Bird Poisoning

Saskatoon to stop using neurotoxin banned in other cities for pigeon control