The PROS & CONS of Backyard BIRD Feeding

Have you ever wondered how backyard feeders affect the birds? I definitely have and luckily there was a good Q&A from Cornell to help shed some light on this matter In this video I go over some of the positive and negative impacts of feeders on birds.
Cornell's Feederwatch Q&A www.allaboutbirds.org/news/wh...
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[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

If you enjoyed this video please help support the channel by LIKING, COMMENTING, SUBSCRIBING, or SHARING it on Facebook, Twitter, etc. It’s a free way to help me tremendously! Other ways to Support: Mates for Life Merch from Teespring teespring.com/stores/lesleythebirdnerd Mates for Life shirt from Bonfire www.bonfire.com/bluejays/ From myself and my bird buddies thank you for ALL the support. It's greatly appreciated!

[@cobythebirdnerd3790]

I love the Happy Birding sweatshirt! Nice video!

[@fastgurrrl]

Ty hon!!

[@ronward3949]

Great Review.

[@sherrieoneillthompson7061]

How can a Coopers Hawk , plucking and eating a Starling or any bird alive be a positive As you try to scare them into flying with their prey, to not have to here the screams. Red Winged blackbirds were also a favorite for plucking alive. The small hawks lack the strength to kill cleanly I don't hate them for it. They must survive too. But it is not a positive of having g feeders. To help reduce the numbers of some species. A pigeon isn't a rat with wings. And too large for the small hawks. Sorry, but I just don't agree.

[@juliecolby7526]

I love your videos, got a pink hoodie!

[@WarblerRidge]

One significant “pro” of having an increasing number of people putting up feeders in their yard is that it leads to an increased appreciation and concern for birds, which often leads to an increased appreciation and concern for wildlife and nature in general. That prompts people to want to learn about what they can do to help. Then they stop using pesticides in their gardens, they plant native plants, they support environmental protections. A backyard feeder can open a window to the wonder of nature surrounding us and lead to positive actions for change.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

YES! Exactly what I was thinking!

[@theteenagegardener]

Exactly! Since I have put up my bird feeders, I have had a fascination for not just birds, but nature too! I have tried to become more environmentally friendly by recycling plastic, paper and cardboard. In the future, I want to live in a tiny house using solar power and possibly hydropower (If I live near a large creek or river.)

[@sherrieoneillthompson7061]

I totally agree. With every word.

[@cbrown717]

This is exactly how it happened for me. Soon after I put up a bird feeder, I stopped using fertilizers and pesticides. I let the birds do my pest control! Now I am adding more native plants to my small property.

[@cw6136]

This comment is so underrated. My curiosity was sparked after getting backyard chickens and observing the wildlife that also enjoyed the grains I tossed around. Here I am, a year later, waiting for my first set of Purple Martin houses to arrive...

[@brunab8867]

I have fed them for 28 years now. Love doing it. They never become dependant 100 percent. Don't worry guys. They always migrate like regular.

[@sherrieoneillthompson7061]

I always fed wild birds. Mostly non migrators in my yard. Also had a Running water, heated in winter (to prevent freezing) I never considered a Cooper's Hawk a benefit. They have weaker talons. And pluck and eat victims alive. Same for the Sharpie. But confess to a fondness for one. Long story. I kept feeders and baths spotless and same for filtered bath. We don't all have the woods out our back door.

[@infallibleblue]

My depression would get to me and I would lay in bed all day. I started feeding wild birds and one day they came. The chirping got me out of bed and it brought me joy. It’s a positive in my life.

[@dianegiordano7365]

I can only say, it’s more of a positive than a negative.

[@Koraxus]

I agree. with the due precautions shown.

[@sherrieoneillthompson7061]

After a horrible "Greenaway Fire" last year .my step daughter had a huge influx of Goldfinch's. Having learner from me, she got an extra feeder. She was in the only trailer park that didn't burn.

[@GalvestonCountyMike]

Lesley, it was quite cold here in coastal Texas a few days ago with night time temps at 17F. Despite my electrical generators running, power outage, bitter winds, and burst water pipes, I still managed to feed the birds here. Those poor things were starved down, so I kept putting out more food. Putting out a few meal worms brought out the Robins. At one point, there were several hundred birds all over my one acre. Regards from Texas!

[@busymeowser]

I was in the same situation snow ice and no power I still refilled my bird feeder until I ran out of bags.

[@karendiane5]

SantaFeMike99 I live in Houston and it was pretty brutal, right? My feathered friends had huge appetites so it was especially awesome to help them out during a surprise snow!

[@fastgurrrl]

Way to be guys!

[@GalvestonCountyMike]

@@karendiane5 They were hungry, to the point they didn't bicker and chase each other away from the seed feed. I use the Shelled Seed from Tractor Supply Company. Less waste that way. Even the tiny millet seed gets eaten by the Gold Finches. I'm in Galveston County.

[@cjcj6945]

Bless you for thinking of the precious little birdies, whilst you are suffering such a hardship. 🙏😇🌟

[@jjtint]

There’s a little bird that’s been visiting my feeders each day that’s missing a leg. Made me sad the first time I saw the bird but now I’m happy to see it coming by each day. The bird moves around and props itself up by fluttering one of its wings. I have a feeder on the ground on my patio for doves and the disabled bird goes on the patio and eats there with them.

[@Toktokispoison]

When we moved into our house 21 yrs ago, you could hear a pin drop outside. No birds no bird song nothing. We have had a well stocked feeder up for 21 years and now the neighborhood is alive with birds. We love them.

[@kkozak]

I once heard someone say “people protect what they love.” Bird feeding promotes learning about the birds that frequent your backyard, and as you learn more about them so does your desire to protect these precious wonderful creatures.

[@brunab8867]

for bird collisions, i hang up 3 old CD's i don't need anymore, and make a mobile. Hang it in front of my windows. Works great! They move with the wind, and they shine with the sun.

[@pklar87]

That's a fantastic idea! Wish I thought of that. I ended up buying I scare rods off Amazon that essentially do the same thing.

[@theteenagegardener]

Feeding birds is not just good, it is great! Not just for the birds, but us too! It is a win-win. Especially in the winter and in harsh weather that we have gotten this year, feeding the birds is so important. A couple days ago when we got about 6 inches of snow, I filled up the bird feeders so that they would have a good food source in the weather. Just two days later, the feeders were completely empty. The bird feeders I have hold 4.5 pounds of seed, so all of that seed getting reduced to nothing within just two days was incredible. I have never seen the birds eat so much seed within such a short span of time.

[@fastgurrrl]

Well done!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Awesome job helping out our feathered friends.

[@theteenagegardener]

Thanks! Only the best for the birds.

[@photoboyjet]

@The Creek Kid I have had the same experience here in Virginia. We have had a stretch of cold, rainy and snowy weather the past few weeks and I have never seen the birds so active at my feeders. I have three seed feeders and two suet feeders. They get cleaned out in days! It is a win for me as I enjoy watching and photographing the birds.

[@ArmyForTheAnimals]

It's the same where I live. There's probably a foot or more of snow on the ground from the past three weeks. The birds are emptying my two 4-5 lb capacity feeders every 2 days! I just went and bought 75 lbs of seed at Tractor Supply yesterday. 😋

[@anushkamkj]

Just made a birdhouse for the first time in my life. Love the birds coming by

[@tk423b]

My cat just sits and watches the show.

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

We love our feeders, as they attract hundreds of birds, mostly American and Lesser Goldfinch, and House Finch. I'm also a bird photographer, so its great to have consistent and constant test subjects, for new gear or techniques. About the only negative I can see, is the cost ! WoW ! These little guys sure go through some food ! About 10 lbs a week, in our 4 feeders. I'm looking for cheaper alternatives, but they seem to like the expensive, no waste mixes the best.

[@szanar8422]

For me it’s even more a win-win situation, because it’s great entertainment for my cats lol. Don’t worry, they’re indoor cats I would never let them hurt a bird. I also made sure no outdoor cat can get to them.

[@Judy-zr4ck]

I started a share club. I'm so happy. My little junco comes to my window at 7:30 a.m. gets me up and the goes and tells everybody else. And before ya know it, I have 65 birds in my yard. I LOVE IT! Thank you Judy

[@StarTexaspets]

Caught my stray backyard bird killer cat in a trap and she's been in the a/c for 2 years now at my place 🤣 won't even step outside again. Keep your cats indoors!!!

[@mirrorblue100]

During this recent old snap in USA I got a lot more into feeding "my" birds. It puzzles me, though, how on some days - even brutally cold days - where are they? Other days there they are and the seed goes fast. I must say a big thank you to Lesley for these beautiful videos which have given me more appreciation for birds.

[@irmawesterback2930]

I feed birds the whole winter. This cold time was 7 months! Feeding birds is quite expensive but I find it so positive to watch them and it is my cats favorite too during long winter days❤.

[@booswalia]

Feeding them helps ME get through the rough winters.

[@dabeamer42]

I moved to a more rural neighborhood just this year, and hung my first bird feeders (mostly for the enjoyment of my granddaughter). So this is all new to me. The one line in this video that spoke to ME was the one about the reduction of natural habitat. After all, a few years ago, the land where my new house sits was farm land, or something close to it.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

You can help even further by having areas of your property where, instead of grass that needs constant fertilizer and pesticides which aren't good for us either, there can be natural sources of food for birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies. If you can plant some native flowers (best option) or even non-native pollinator friendly flowers that were likely removed when your house was built, that would greatly help out the bee and butterfly populations that are being decimated lately. It's best to have things blooming at different times, too, like they do in the wild. I've read that one of the reasons for the bee population decline is because native early flowering plants are being wiped out. Believe it or not, even leaving dandelions in your grass helps the bees because they are one of the early flowering things they can use. NATIVE milkweed would be great to plant for the monarchs... they really need our help. By planting native flowers or just having a 'wild' area of your yard, you're also helping feed the birds (and their babies!) by providing caterpillars that they eat. You can also help by planting native bushes and trees that provide berries and nesting areas. It just takes a little research to find out what those are for your area. It's amazing how much you can learn just by doing these things... Mother Nature sure knows what she's doing! Thank you so much for being conscientious and helping the birds!

[@franciswarnock8977]

Wonderful video! Always happy when someone has the courage to cite cats as a problem. Cats are -- by far -- the biggest threat to birds, and kill 3-4B annually. It wasn't until I started trapping and removing cats from my gardens that multiple native bird species began nesting and successfully brooding. Cats are an enormous problem in city and suburban environs and routinely stalk and kill birds and their nestlings. In 2019 a cat climbed my porch lattice and killed an entire nest of Robins, and that's when I got the trap. The results have been transformational. There are videos on KZbin of cats killing Carolina Wrens, Cardinals, and other birds in their nests, or when they first go to the ground as fledglings. It is something you may wish to cover in a future segment, for the horrific problem that it is. It's not about hating house cats; they just need to be kept in the *house* where they belong.

[@gourddrawing]

My cat problem is actually a neighbor problem. They have many outdoor cats that end up at my bird feeders. I started putting food out for those cats & they gobble it down, which tells me they are not getting fed at home. When the weather warms up I will trap them & take them to a spay/neuter clinic. The neighbors are not responsible cat owners. 😐

[@franciswarnock8977]

@@gourddrawing I hear you. What to do with them is a problem. I have had nests destroyed, birds and babies pleasure-killed (that is what house cat do; it's not about hunger/survival as owners like to claim). When I started trapping, it was like my gardens (.16 acre) transformed to wildlife habitat. I have native birds of all sorts competing for the space. There's even air wars (usually Grackles and Robins a little too close for comfort). I was annoyed I didn't do this years ago, but better late than never. You can always tell a feral from a neighbor's cat; they are vicious and even strike at you through the cage. The other huge advantage of trapping is no more cat sh-t and foul disgusting odors permeating my mulch beds. I would be weeding and get handfuls of sh-t -- disgusting.

[@areyoukidding1693]

I have a cat that I keep in doors for this reason and also do take him out supervised. I also have heard that cats also hunt rabbits. Cat hunting birds is no doubt getting worse due to the number of feral cats in our cities. They probably do some good hunting mice and rats though. It all boils down to the stupidity of people in the way they care for animals in general...they no longer want the cat...”hey let’s dump him on the highway or in that empty field!” Don’t blame the animal...blame the stupid cruel person!!

[@franciswarnock8977]

@@areyoukidding1693 So true. In the end, it all comes down to stupid humans. Humans bred these cats as comfort creatures, as with so many other domestic animals. The animal is acting on instinct, even despite it being a pleasure-kill which is maddening. Where people are lazy as you say, we need to take control and eradicate them somehow if we're to help recovery of native species. The hard part is what to do with the cats after trapping them. ASPCA doesn't want them. There needs to be some kind of long term solution that conservationists can look to.

[@bogtrottername7001]

@@franciswarnock8977 TNR is the only long term answer -- PERIOD

[@lillian9676]

My neighbor killed two long standing perfectly good trees within a period of 6 months - I’m so beside myself about it that I have started to feed our birds - this was very helpful

[@Birdlab]

We solved a problem with birds striking a window near the feeders by using a white glass pen. We simply drew vertical lines from the top to the bottom of the window. Each line is about 5 inches apart. At first it looks a little distracting, but you quickly get used to it and don’t notice it anymore. Much cheaper and just as effective as some of the commercial options for sale.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Are you talking about a china marker-type pen? And do you use it on the inside or outside of the window? Thank you!

[@Birdlab]

@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane we put it on the outside of the window. We chose white, but you could use any color I suppose. It’s been on a large north facing window since late fall of 2020 and has held up well throughout a wet cold Michigan winter. www.amazon.com/Glass-Pen-White-Writing-WINDOWS/dp/B006MUO6FW/ref=asc_df_B006MUO6FW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=223420522240&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10414426359715984982&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017227&hvtargid=pla-371133480706&psc=1

[@Birdlab]

@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane here’s where we got the idea. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3ScqYShitmEb5o

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

@@Birdlab Thanks! I live in Michigan, too! Lol! I must be getting old because when I checked out your link to the video I had already 'thumbs upped' it, so I must have watched it a while back and forgot about it...duh! Lol, it looked REAL familiar! 🤣 I went with the window clings a few years ago, which greatly reduce (I'd say 95%), but don't totally eliminate birds hitting our windows, so I was curious how/if the markers worked. Thanks again... I bet your answer will help a lot of people, and birds, out there!

[@Birdlab]

@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane we tried the window decals for awhile but they didn’t seem to work. We had a flicker die after hitting window 🙁so we tried the glass pen instead. So far, so good.

[@kurtc6372]

Never had a sick bird. Clean my feeder every time I fill it. I’ve had one immature hawk practicing how to catch birds. It was also looking at my little doggie so scared him off. I can’t afford to keep my feeder going all the time but I do keep my suet available. This allows a good rotation around the feeder area. Thanks for the information.

[@judithryle2113]

Yes hawks would try to eat my doves who came in late afternoon. I had to stop due to hawks

[@joannesheaffer9522]

I fed birds for many years. Mourning doves perched in the huge tree out back while the snow was falling, all of them puffed up. Black oil sunflower seeds were my go to. Catbirds visiting the suet. So many happy birds (I was also a happy human). Then came the mice. And then came more mice. We assessed our house; it was as impermeable as we could possibly make it. Two new restaurants moved in, each about seven blocks away. And then came the rats. That was a new one, a serious one. I've planted native trees and plants, but I miss the easy visibility provided by bird feeders. Everybody loves to watch birds at their feeder. I've been pouting since we had to stop, about ten years ago. It's a loss.

[@repro7780]

I guess the same cleaning and maintenance would apply to bird baths as well? They tend to get quite dirty!

[@theteenagegardener]

Exactly! Great point. I replace the water in mine every 3 days and throughly clean them with soap and water to get out any stains, bacteria, fungus or algae. She should definitely do a video on birdbaths sometime. I would love to learn more information.

[@KevinBalch-dt8ot]

I replace the bird bath water every day and hose out any droppings. I clean tge feeder every coupl of weeks.

[@virtualworldsbyloff]

I will give a Zoom class in a few hours in Portugal about bird feeders, so I searched KZbin to finetune any detail I missed, BINGO, window collisions, thank you

[@gw5309]

Our ground has been snow covered for almost a week (Indiana) In that time our birds have consumed 40 lbs of bird feed, 20 pounds of black sunflower seed, 8 lbs of thistle seed and 2 suet cakes. They are going to break me!

[@bigbusterjoe]

I was recently amazed that a hawk caught a bird at my feeder and proceeded to kill it and eat right there. My feeder is not in any way out in the open. It's in my peach tree between my house and my neighbors house, not a tight space but maybe about 17 feet. I have seen it flying through later and the birds will scatter and not return until it is gone. Thanks, Lesley. Some great information. Always a fan of yours.

[@KevinBalch-dt8ot]

My cockatiel was in his cage that allowed him to look out to the backyard. A Red-Shouldered hawk perched on the back of a lawn chair and even in his cage in the house, he freaked out. Apparently, birds instinctively know a predator when they see one.

[@brainsXforXshit]

BIRD NERD SQUAD

[@thaliabudai2013]

It's also helpful to put a heaated water source out for them. During long streches of dry icy winter weather it can be hard for them to find water.

[@OrioleSongbird]

Your channel is amazing

[@kimhorton6109]

A lot of us remember a world before DDT when we had birds everywhere. We had huge flocks of starlings that would roll around the sky, fascinating. There were many more doves, pigeons, blue jays, robins and sparrows. Little finches and tiny little feeders poking beaks into crevices in oaks helping rid them of boring pests. I feed birds and keep clean water around when I can and love having Martin houses that only part of the year have residents. As to cats, a cat running loose here in Arkansas is likely to be victim of a hawk. Most of them are too sneaky but I’ve seen smaller cats flying away from the house because they weren’t sneaky when they should have.

[@JT-sl3ui]

Nice 👍🏻 video. I have four posts set in the rear of my property at the wood line. The two center posts have blue bird boxes and suet cages. The two outer posts hang two finch feeders with nyjer seed, two glass feeders with black oil sunflower seeds and two more suet cages. My newest edition is a smart feeder by Soliom. It’s the BF08 with a 2.7 liter (11.4 cups) seed capacity and quality metal construction. It’s awesome! I fill that with 4 cups cracked corn, 3 cups black oil sunflower seed, 2 cups shelled peanuts and 2.4 cups black soldier fly larva. The attraction is amazing! 👍🏻✌🏻💙

[@nelsonthibeau2050]

My 30 plus Jays post sentrys and warn everyone when a hawk is near,..you should hear what 100+ birds (mostly large) instantly taking flight sound like...it's awesome

[@davidlean1060]

More than once I have seen the local crows police hawks on the prowl. I have witnessed an airborne chase between a murder of local crows and a hawk. It was truly impressive to see how they swooped, dived and soared again giving chase.

[@warhorse1956]

I had a little bird fly into my house through an open door one time. It wasn't fun for either one of us, but it finally got out.

[@repetemyname842]

WH: When the hummingbirds do battle on the porch I used to have my slider open at times, a few occasions one would dart inside in their haste to get away from the aggressor. They seem to get confused easily once indoors, heading for the first window they see and hovering there expecting to get out. I would shoo the dog outside, Labs being very curious about noisy little birds, and would take a broom stick and hold it up. The bird would eventually land on the end of the broom stick and I would walk it towards the slider and freedom. It would take a few attempts, the birds would get nervous and fly back to the window but once they tired out they would perch until I stuck the stick outside.

[@joequillun7790]

I've had sparrows in my house, by flying down the outside chimney pipe for my antique, (functioning) Glenwood 111 coal stove. (In the off season, when not running.) You could hear it flying in the stove, and the 1st time we opened the door, the bird went all over the house, finally landing on a window sill. Was challenging getting it back outside. When it happened the second time, B4 we opened the stove door, we blocked off the rest of the house with a sheet, shut the window shade in the room, and opened the frt door, (which was in frt of the stove.). When we finally released the bird by opening the stove door , it saw the light, and flew directly back outside. Lessons learned. (Also, keep the stove pipe cap screen tight, and serviceable.) :)

[@tumbleweed57]

As you probably know, we have had some extreme weather in the south the last few weeks. Sleet, snow, frozen fog, ice. You name it we had it. I had prepared my feeders for the upcoming weather situation. The problem was I could not get to my feeders to refill them. I had so many birds the feeders were emptied out fast but the ice covered ground was too much for my knee replacement joint. So I would go to the back porch and just toss out handfuls of seed every morning. My birds were waiting for this by the third day. I felt bad for them with so much snow that they were unaccustomed too and bird baths frozen over. Again I could not get to the water. But we did the best we could. Thanks for all the great advice !

[@SHurd-rc2go]

I live in a rented cottage, and provide water for drinking, and bathing. I don't provide food, as there is lots of food around, plus there was no one feeding birds before I got here, and there is no guarantee that whoever follows me, will take care of our endemics, or winter visitors. If I lived back in Canada, or Northern California, I would, for sure, put out feeders. Thank you for your work.

[@debbiemacy3840]

I love feeding the birds. Enjoy them so much. My problem is the squirrels. I have tried every trick that I hear about but the squirrels figure it out.

[@Im_that_archeops]

Making bird feeders from plastic bottles and putting them outside is one of my fav winter activities

[@stanjenson2026]

Bluejays are starting to become some of my favorites at my feeders. I had 6 Jay's at once today. But the Cardinals and chickadees are the best.

[@Thoughmuchistaken]

Been feeding birds in the garden for a few years now and this winter a Sharp-shinned Hawk noticed. So hopefully it's getting a meal too, there are 50 morning doves out there some days. Though it'll make me nervous to put the chickens out in the spring.

[@tamipie]

I grt a bunch of doves and quail as well...and in the summer TONS of starlings.

[@sgueymard]

Luckily, my tiny backyard birds are more winter hardy than my old cat! We're having the coldest January in years with non stop -30°C in Québec. I only started feeding birds at Christmas, when our government announced a new lock down and holiday gatherings were cancelled... I ended up with the happiest guests at the outdoor buffet! They're all very polite and leave at dusk around 4 pm... Love your videos! Thank you!

[@Mityob67]

Great presentation as usual Leslie. Small note of caution to those who feed birds in unfenced yards in bear territory. As bears are omnivores, they can gladly respond to the dinner bells we know as feeders. Even if the feeder is out of the bear's grasp, the fallen food can be a gift too. Just a thought, bird nerds beware.

[@joandemarco1859]

We had a black bear rip in half our heavy metal poles holding the feeders.took off with the suet baskets and one of the feeders...wondering what we will do this spring...when the bears are finished hibernating..

[@heathparkhurst3011]

@Tim Brown I had a similar problem with racoons helping themselves to my backyard feeders. Racoons are very clean animals and choose a specific spot to defecate which coincidentally was our front yard by the mailbox and creating a nuisance. After some critical thinking (and common sense) I realized I was causing this by filling the feeders too often. So as a rule I fill the feeder in the early morning and it is devoured by noon. Resisting the temptation to refill them after this caused the raccoons (and one time a hungry opossum) to forage elsewhere during night. Just meant no more afternoon birdwatching for us...

[@Mityob67]

@@joandemarco1859 A bear's strength is more than many people may realize. Pretty powerful.

[@Mityob67]

@@heathparkhurst3011 What kind of seed do you use that's gone in 1/2 day? Seems like they really love it.

[@heathparkhurst3011]

@@Mityob67 I buy Royal Wing from Tractor Supply. The Far Mix blend is what they go crazy for but the sparrows tend to crowd out the cardinals. I set up a separate feeder with just safflower seeds which only the cardinals seem to like

[@mikeclarke952]

I think it's more positive in the winter then negative, especially for the female birds, who struggle to get a fair share at natural sources. Good point about keeping the feeders and area clean. I will have to tick up my frequency on that, thank you.

[@fromanabe8639]

I've been feeding squirrels on my driveway. I buy cracked corn and shelled peanuts from Menard's. The squirrels seem to prefer the peanuts but crows like them too. Bluejays prefer the cracked corn. All the food is gone every morning, eaten by deer, I think. I have seen two or three deer out there a couple of times during the day, and lots of deer tracks in the snow. I've had up to six squirrels feeding at one time. I put the nuts in small separate piles as the squirrels will chase another squirrel if one comes close to "their" pile.

[@nativewildman9335]

I have noticed two bird species in my state that aren't normal here a snowy owl and an osprey

[@CenturianEagle]

My dad saw an osprey last month and they’re also not supposed to be where I live. I saw a snowy owl 10 years ago here and they’re not supposed to be where I live either. It was pretty stunning to see both! The owl was flying to different light poles in a Walmart parking lot and perching on them. It was night time and really beautiful looking

[@nativewildman9335]

@@CenturianEagle cool I live in Kansas I think it awesome to see now birds around.

[@silvergreylion]

The diminishing magnetic field of the Earth is causing large amounts of wildlife to turn up in places where they don't normally go.They usually navigate by it, but the weaker it is, the harder it is for them to figure out in which direction they need to go.

[@joannleichliter4308]

If you have a new, man made lake in the area, especially with open water in the winter, that might explain the osprey.

[@nickn2334]

I have had a platform feeder 2.5 feet from my bedroom window for a few years. Only once when the window was clean did a bird fly into the window and fortunately was not hurt. Since then I have let the window accumulate dirt. Now it is really dirty and no more accidents. If you spray a window with water and don't wipe it off it will accumulate dirt fast. I wash off the platform every day. I enjoy chickadees, kinglets, oak titmouse, sparrows, house finches, and even scrub jays. Although I have accipiters in my neighborhood my feeder is protected from them by being surrounded by and within a large ligustrum. I also have a bare ground area which is visited by doves and towhees. That area is protected from cats by a fence. Thanks for posting....

[@JA51711]

Just saw a red bellied at my feeder the other day! My first and was surprised for such a southern bird to be in NYC

[@alanclark9326]

I retired to the Ozarks and the home is built on a hillside making the back deck about thirty feet from the ground. The birds here are non stop amazing. Five different kinds of woodpeckers and all of the reg forest birds. The spring migration is really stunning as we get Baltimore Orioles and rose breasted grosbeaks. We have a pileated woodpecker that is here everyday. He is more like a pet. So many. They bring me peace and joy.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Excellent, comprehensive video!!! I think another great video would be about encouraging people to research and plant native flowers, bushes and trees in their yards to further help the pollinators and birds in their areas. A lot of people don't get the connection that birds eat catapillars and other bugs that live on those plants and you can't have birds if you only have grass in your yard. Not to mention the amount of herbicides and pesticides we are putting into our environment to maintain grass. We have to learn to work with Mother Nature, not against her! Awesome video Lesley!

[@neildbarker]

Really informative and I do agree with feeding them to help them get through the harsh winters. One thing I have become more conscious of is the quality of seeds and food I use to feed birds in my local area. I have been buying from a local place that only sells that higher quality bird food. Always great videos and thanks for sharing.

[@KevinBalch-dt8ot]

I bought some inexpensive feed at a Petco type store and much of it got dropped and sprouted weeds. I better appreciate tge “No-Mess” feed from WBU.

[@joanchaffinbawcom5722]

I would be interested in knowing what a sick bird looks like. I have had feeders for many years in southeast Texas, and have seen predation but I don't recall seeing sick birds so I am interested in the signs to look for. I use fresh seeds and clean my feeders. During the recent polar vortex my finch feeders were kept full and did a brisk business which made me so happy!

[@leeladevidancing]

We have had sick pine siskins spreading salmonella in Oregon and Washing ton. They tend to look fluffed up and ungroomed, lethargic, they sit in the feeder for long periods, they seem to be panting, they can appear 'tame' - they just don't have the energy to fly away, but will if startled. We have been advised to stop feeding for a while. I feel sad about not feeding, and not all neighbors are on board with the no feeding suggestion, so sick birds just go to someone else's feeder. Also, it is advised to use feeders that can clean easily: plastic or metal that can be soaked in bleach water, wood is more porous and difficult to clean. I'm thinking to wait a week or so, then put the clean suet feeder back up. I seldom notice the pine siskins at it, they seem to prefer seeds. All the other birds look healthy, as far as I can tell. The siskins should be migrating soon, they are only here for the winter.

[@jewelamophilomena5022]

Thank you for sharing this video. It's a good reminder for everyone how important hygiene is, even for birds. Everytime I refill the feeders, I check them out first, clean them thoroughly then refill. I truly enjoy the birds visiting my backyard especially when they take their baths. These birds have baths between 7 and 8 in the mornings and evening baths between 6 and 7. It's wonderful and amazing to see a dozen or more birds flouncing their wings against each other obviously enjoying their baths, lol. I clean and refill at least 3 times day their birdbaths, each time the baths are close to empty. It's like looking after children, 😂

[@wisconsintraveler9397]

I feed the birds in my area only in the winter months. Reasons are the bears in the spring time will destroy the feeders and 2 I live in the country where there is plenty of food on the ground once the snow melts. I love watching my little feathered friends fly in and out for a quick snack. Even when they hide a seed and another bird finds it. There is a peaceful feeling that comes from watching birds in all seasons.

[@dancruze]

Most important during winter..... and dont forget water for them!

[@kristiesmith9928]

Can do this and enjoy the whole show thanks to you and all who love birds

[@ccoopify]

May seem obvious, but an additional negative so to speak, is more droppings from the feathered ones. A positive, which I believe you have mentioned in a previous video is the phycological effect on us bi-peds. When I see a less commonly seen bird in my yard it makes me happy and want to watch and focus on them.

[@ginafriend1690]

I agree to all noted, Lesley. Thank you for posting. My bird feeding is Important to me and yes, I do take them down to clean and also go out in the depths of snow to make sure the snow is off the platforms on my feeders so the pretty ground feeders like Cardinals can Also Eat their food! Birds are quite Content in my yard! Thank you for posting 💌

[@jleake4357]

I liked taking a closer look at this issue, cause we love our "bird buffet".

[@tamipie]

I hope our neighborhood birds are enjoying the feeders, they seem to finish the food I put out daily. And yes, I am also providing a food stop for a hawk or two, but that's just nature. I chase away any cats who come around. But I am more concerned for my local wild rabbits and the neighborhood dogs who seem to routinely escape their fences. But I guess they're used to being hunted.

[@cococollinsful]

Thank you! You are amazing with your comments!

[@gettingold59]

thanks for your knowledge and hard work and making my sunday. I pour boiling hot water on my feeder in winter to try and keep it clean and so far so good I think

[@benfrankog6111]

Feeding the birds relieves boredom in the winter and helps out the birds too.

[@joseenoel8093]

I can tell whose around by their song, how they fly (dive around) and nothing gets me trail blazing like going feeder to feeder!

[@JohnAmes]

Great video my friend 👍

[@jrnfw4060]

A scientific study was done several years ago to determine if birds become dependent upon feeders, and it was found that they get only about 20% of their diet from feeders. The rest, they still get from the wild. Good news!

[@samanthawhang7498]

That’s good to hear. I have to take down my feeders for good. 😢. There is a pair of Cooper’s hawks that are relentless and they come by 6-8 times a day. I tried taking the feeders down before for a week or two, and the hawks are back the same day the feeders go back up. This is so upsetting. I wish I never put up a feeder to begin with. I would discourage anyone from doing it too. But I feel better knowing that the birds will be ok after the feeders come down.

[@charlottecampbell4327]

One job I had every Spring was to take away shelled sunflower seeds that fell from the feeding birds. I didn't mind as it all went to our compost pile. The empty shells made quite a mess on an area between the house and lawn. I would haul away a couple of big wheelbarrow loads. One brand of bird seed consisted mostly of corn. I had to stop buying it; the corn was usually not eaten. Yes, they were crazy about the small black oiled sunflower seeds. The evening grosbeaks seemed to prefer the large, dry sunflower seed.

[@dr.philspears7852]

Loved your video, just happened to see it on KZbin. I have been an avid bird enthusiastic since I was 4, 1942. We lived in Muncie, IN. This was the first Christmas I remember. Mom and I were making a Christmas tree ornament. Mom and I walked to the corner grocery store and bought a 16oz. can of Jolly Time popcorn and a sack of cranberries. At Home, we popped the corn, my favorite snack to this day, threaded a cranberry, and then a couple kernels of corn. The bright red and white garland looked so beautiful and we did it together, by ourselves. A couple weeks after Christmas, we carefully took the garland and placed it outside, around a small cedar tree wrapped in snow. We went inside and within a few minutes, here come the Cardinals and black-capped chickadees. That was 78 years ago and that feeling still comes back whenever I lovingly feed and watch all the birds.

[@ornlu_the_wolf]

Lesley back at it!

[@maryannmcrae5392]

I always feed the crows and seagulls

[@danertz8073]

We had a problem with window strikes on the OPPOSITE side of our house from the feeders with birds flying into the windows on their way to the feeders. Stickers helped a bit, but putting out a large plastic owl (like gardeners use to deter pests) has been 100% effective in keeping birds from hitting the windows and it doesn't block the view through the window. Obviously not something you want to put near your feeders, but it's very effective at preventing window strikes away from the feeders.

[@stinkybutt42069]

I wanna start feeding the birds near my house. I live behind a wooded area, recently I've noticed there's more insects and I'd like to help rewind some of the area by brining back more birds. We have plenty of snakes and squirrels but I'd like to help out the birds. I've already scattered wild flower seeds in the woods to help with pollinators, so hopefully more birds will help increase the biodiversity!

[@RobertJohnsonLasers]

Cool, Dr. Klem got his doctorate at my local university, SIU!!! GO DAWGS!!!

[@RYANandMICHELLEchannel]

Thanks for sharing! I have recently started feeding and recording and posting videos backyard birds at the feeder on KZbin. It is a lovely experience, but also does come with some challenges!

[@OOOHBILLY]

First time viewer, impressive detail in this video. Subscribed for sure

[@jamestyrer6067]

I will feed the birds some in the winter but that is it. During the rest of the year they get clean water in the bird bath , plenty of berries and seed from plants and the most important nectar not sugar water from flowers. Very healthy

[@dnasbirdingadventures]

Thanks, I subscribed to see more videos. We just feed them in the winter and take the feeders down when the bears are present. Feeding them is expensive.

[@judywood4530]

Perhaps you could do a video on which plants we can plant in areas that haave heavy snow that will provide food for birds in winter. This would reduce the problem of bird concentrations at feeders and reduce the need to purchase bird food and ensure that feeders are clean.

[@americansfirst1095]

Great videos as always. Has become my go to channel.

[@woodsmn8047]

My living arrangements now do not allow for placing of feeders but in the past I often put out feeders and I derived many hours of pleasure from watching the birds on my feeders .. once in a while I would get criticized for doing so but I still went about filling my feeders .. it was just too much fun for me and I believe still it did very much more good than harm

[@mikecroly4579]

Thank you as always dear Lesley! I've nothing to add to your expert advice! Be well and best wishes dear!❤

[@JC7318]

Great video. Thanks for the info!!

[@mikecroly4579]

Thank you so very much dear LESLEY for your wonderful videos and for sharing your knowledge!...Most appreciated!

[@williamtaylor2412]

love this

[@tramarherrera6685]

Good info. Thank you

[@arielchubb2719]

I get great enjoyment from feeding my birds as my grandparents practiced this when I was young. My only downside is the cost.... I buy seed, bark butter pellets, bark butter paste, peanuts, suet blocks, it goes on and on. My grandparents used to buy real suet from the grocery store but the racoons are enough of a problem so I wouldn't do that even if I had the opportunity. Luckily I have not had an issue with windows. Thanks for the video, Lesley!

[@panatypical]

That's some very good advice about placing feeders in close proximity to windows. Hadn't thought of that. I keep my cats indoors.

[@sherryw.1466]

This past week the temps here were below freezing and single digits at night. My husband was filling our feeder twice a day and throwing extra onto our deck. They were eating us out of house and home. Today it was near 50 degrees F, and as we expected, they hardly ate anything. As spring arrives we always see less birds at our feeder because they are also looking for bugs too.

[@nancyhusseycarter3961]

Great video and information 👍

[@manuelaywazian5102]

Thank you for the video

[@noedog]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@joyadams507]

I always enjoy your videos so much!

[@Airtimmo]

I think a screen of some sort helps with bird collisions with the patio door..I use a fairly see through drape that i can see through but makes it look more like a wall to them…i was not having it lately and a cedar waxwing ran into the sliding door..but after some careful attention it recovered and flew away..now i keep the drapes drawn..it took about an hour for it to recover..i love my outside buddies..

[@tinathorne8355]

Thx! Always enjoy and learn from u.

[@andreamundt]

Gorgeous pictures! Beautiful narration! Thx, Lesley, enjoyed it!! :D

[@andrewlamberson539]

Great info. Thanks for your efforts.

[@hfirm9897]

Thank you for this information.

[@angelhelp]

Our 6 cats thoroughly enjoy birdwatching from their window perches in our kitchen and dining room. With our peanut-filled feeder dental-flossed to a hook on the kitchen wall (to avoid the problems of inevitable suction cup failure), our cats can happily take turns “hunting” the nuthatches, squirrels, bluejays, and finches that use that particular feeder, as well as watch the rest of the “customers” at the Tooth & Beak. Sure, we have a resident Mrs. Cooper as well as a pair of redtails, a merlin, and some other hawks, but there are plenty of trees and hedge space handy and only Mrs. Cooper will follow her prey into the hedge. I cannot (and would not) attempt to provide any more safety for our visitors than they would otherwise find in nature. I was a tad surprised that no mention was made of birdbaths which must also be kept scrupulously clean. One of ours is on a pedestal but the others rest on the ground. We had an issue with mange in our first year after the move (brought by a squirrel). After a discussion with our vet on what and how much medication was needed per squirrel, we made little peanut butter “sandwiches” which they and the 4 bunnies happily ate. The mange stopped, the initial squirrel recovered nicely, and the one bunny who’d had mild symptoms recovered. The birdbaths endured a trip through boiling water, mild soap, and a thorough boiling rinse. As far as window crashes are concerned, we have some lace curtains that can be drawn across the kitchen window when we’re not actively birdwatching. The cats know enough to nudge the curtains aside when they want to “snoopervise” the Tooth & Beak customers. The curtains were bought so we could have at least a partial view, and if something was of great interest, we could open them fully. The lace design happens to be of twigs with perching birds and the occasional butterfly.

[@StamfordBridge]

So good, so informative. Thank you!