Question on the Impact of Feeders

[rickw]

Good morning all, and thanks for the add. We are in a townhouse complex, and can currently have feeders, which we enjoy immensely. Our strata council has added a vote on feeders to our general meeting, with the intent of banning them. Not because of the mess, or attracting wildlife, but because they have someone in the BC Wildlife Federation telling them that feeders are bad, as they spread disease, and cause birds to be dependant on them. It seems odd that they even have that as a reason for banning them, but I’m wondering if anyone here knows of any studies/documentation on the benefits of feeders for the bird population. 

I’m looking specifically for benefits to birds, not to our own education, enjoyment, etc., as that’s rather obvious. I need some ammo to fight back.

[Jamie]

This article could be very useful.
www.allaboutbirds.org/analysis-do-bird-feeders-help-or-hurt-birds/

[paulos]

All About Birds posted an interesting article based on some analysis of feeder bird data that addresses some of these questions, though it is pretty basic.

[rickw]

Interesting. Its something.