On the bread-feeding topic...

On occasion I've approached people who are feeding "human" food to birds and
have off-handedly suggested they stop. My survival instinct won't allow me to
order anyone to cease their evil bread-feeding habits. So far, no one has much
cared what I've had to say about the topic. Eventually their bread or popcorn
or whatever is gone and they do stop.

Christy Anderson asked:
> Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice tactful, friendly, educational
> way to say to these people that they shouldn't really be feeding these
> birds?

Tactful and friendly are usually relatively easy. It's the educational, in this
case, where I hit a block. Can anyone recommend a source for information on
well-documented ill effects of this type of feeding on birds? Or do we just
"know" that Wondre bread isn't good for ducks, gulls, and geese (it isn't even
good for people, is it?)? How about those whole-grain bagels I watched floating
around East Bay one day--are they marginally permissible Mallard food?

> And what do you say to someone who says it's no different than putting out a
birdfeeder?
Nothing. Then walk sheepishly away.

Actually, bird feeding (referring here to seeds, etc, in backyards) has
received far less scrutiny than it warrants. It's too late to stop, but we have
little idea how it's changing the birds it brings closer for our enjoyment.
--
Scott Richardson
northeast Seattle
salix at halcyon.com