On Sat, 9 Jan 1999, de Ryss - Macon wrote:

> Hmm, interesting suggestion about simply not feeding the birds. Like many
bird watchers, I do like having feeders in my yard (and have also landscaped
with bird-friendly bushes). I'd always assumed that with the enormous loss of
habitat, many bird species benefit from feeders. Are there any biologists/
ornitholigists/ecologists out there on the list? Am I deluding myself?
>
> Diane de Ryss
> (in Seattle)

Feeders can serve some good, but the primary reason most people use
feeders is what was hit upon above, people like having feeders in the
yard. More importantly the birder in us values the ability to be able to
attract birds to our viewing pleasure in our yards. The message about
taking them down is very valid. Since the feeders are mostly for watching
purposes as long as they don't hurt the birds I do belive that if a
problem persists like disease, cats etc.. then just take the feeders down.
It can't be too enjoyable to watch the birds that you are trying to feed
get killed by disease, cats, etc.. (This doesn't include accipters, in
case somebody is waiting to pounce on that one). Landscaping for wildlife
serves many purposes all of which are beneficial.

Scott Downes
sdownes at u.washington.edu
Seattle WA