Hi Tweeters:

As a beginner I would appreciate opinions from the group about feeders. I
got interested in birding last Fall after my partner gave me a sunflower
seed feeder and a pair of binoculars. I became so excited by the sight of
unknown birds at that feeder that I expanded to more and more birding
activities. I have been an animal rights (including birds of course)
activist for years and so my philosophy is that non-human creatures are not
here for my use or pleasure. If I enjoy them without interfering with them
or in the process of helping them, then that is great. If I am using them
for my pleasure and in the process interfere, inconvenience or just plan
harm them or their lifestyle, I am not happy. I took my feeders in (yes, I
quickly moved on to several feeders) in early May after discussing the issue
with someone who is more knowledgeable than I am and hearing that there is
plenty of food around for birds in the summer and that feeders at this time
of year are just for our pleasure and do make the birds somewhat dependent.

However, I have read several of you mention your feeders. And tonight a
friend of mine was telling me about all the Goldfinches at her Niger seed
feeder. I am envious of course! I would also be thrilled to see a Rufus
hummingbird as one Tweeter reported a few days ago.

What do you all think? Should there be feeders in the summer or is it
really a winter time charity for hungry birds? I realize I will get
differing opinions but reading your reasons will help me decide what to do.

By the way, I have an ingenious set up for the feeders. There are rigged
high in a birch tree on ropes and a pulley system allows me to take them
down for restocking. The feeders, and thus the birds, are far away from
the reach of cats (who I also love). They seem safe for the birds there and
I look right out on them from our upstairs windows where we spend a lot of
our time.

Thanks in advance for you opinions.

Margaret Parkinson
University District, Seattle
mailto: margparkie at home.com