Is feeding wild birds in winter harmful? New studies spark controversy

For many people, placing bird feeders on balconies is obvious. However, it raises the question: are we harming nature this way?

[Photo by Frank Cone from Pexels]

Classic bird support programs had clear guidelines. In winter, we put up feeders and feed birds when it snows. But is feeding birds always beneficial for them? It turns out, not quite. The situation has become serious enough that 23 state environmental agencies in the United States recommend suspending bird feeding. Why?

Feeding birds is a business and has social benefits

It’s important to clarify a point that has been discussed in the media and has recently been well-documented by American researchers in the journal ‘People and Nature.’ This decision wasn’t an easy one. It faced not just disbelief but even civil disobedience from citizens and authors of numerous scientific publications on the matter.

Over 57 million Americans feed wild birds. Of course, people worldwide do this, but US residents lead the way. It’s estimated they spend around $12 billion annually on bird food, feeders, and other accessories.

Putting it delicately, the real concern isn’t about the birds but about people and the associated activities, especially the business aspect. We know that bird…