JACKSON, Wyo. — Although bird feeders can bring some of the valley’s iconic bird species into residents’ yards, the increased risk that comes along with them should encourage community members to consider responsible bird feeding or alternatives.
According to the 2023 updated Teton County Land Development Regulations, bird feeders are not allowed on property “unless the bird feeder is inaccessible to any wildlife other than birds.”
But, according to Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, birds don’t need additional food resources and can suffer negative impacts from feeders.
Negative impacts
Hilary Turner, program coordinator with JHWF, says that artificial food resources increase risks for the following:
- Disease: Bird feeders force birds to congregate in small spaces.
- Contact with human development: Feeders draw birds to houses where they can experience window collisions, vehicle mortality and cat predation.
- Native habitat reduction: Cropland is needed to grow the bird seed for feeders.
- Carbon footprint: Large quantities of bird seed are transported across the U.S.
Responsible bird feeding
Turner recommends those who decide to have bird feeders engage in responsible bird feeding. This includes:
- Keeping bird feeders inaccessible to other wildlife by hanging them at least 10 feet high and four feet from supporting structures, and using a catch pan.
- Feeding birds only between December and March reduces the likelihood of feeders attracting bears.
- Cleaning feeders and bird baths at least once a week with a 10% bleach solution to prevent disease transfer, and monitoring birds at feeders for disease symptoms that include crusty or swollen eyes and lethargy. If disease symptoms are visible, remove feeders for at least a few weeks.
- Hummingbird nectar must be four parts water and one part pure white cane sugar; never use artificial food coloring, honey, brown sugar or raw sugar. Old nectar should be replaced so mold doesn’t grow.
Alternatives
Artificial food resources are not the only way to attract birds into a yard.
“The best food you can provide to any bird is a native food source,” Turner says. “Plant native vegetation in your yard to enhance the habitat around your house. Native vegetation will support a more diverse community of native insects, birds and other wildlife, than feeding artificial sources of bird food.”
Additionally, homeowners can reduce threats to birds by modifying windows to be bird-friendly, keeping cats indoors, driving less and bicycling more, adhering to wildlife closures and leashing dogs during the summer as young birds are more vulnerable.
“One of my favorite things about birds is that they are one of the most ubiquitous and accessible forms of wildlife,” Turner says. “Experiencing the joy and beauty of birds does not require a park pass, driver’s license or even the ability to see! Birds can be found anywhere, from your backyard to the National Parks, and they can be enjoyed and identified relatively easily, both through visual and auditory signals.”
Turner suggests South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area, the Flat Creek Overlook/Bert’s Bench area and the National Forest hiking trails around Jackson as great local places to find a good variety of birds outside of yards.
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June 24, 2023
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To feed or not to feed: The impacts of bird feeders - Buckrail
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