Birdfeeding

[ysabetwordsmith]

Today is mostly cloudy and sweltering. 

I fed the birds.  I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.

I put out water for the birds.  Bees are visiting the small metal birdbath again.

EDIT 7/6/25 -- It's raining, so I won't have to water anything today.  :D

Comments

I've been meaning to ask

[dialecticdreamer]

You are VERY invested in native plant species and minimizing the impact that humans have on the Earth. What's your analysis of feeding birds, in terms of the benefits to the birds compared to the attraction the feeders are for squirrels and other non-birds? How do you minimize the risk of the birds being preyed upon by cats, for example, and are there any special tips to keep birds from slamming into windows?

Way, way down the list is the possibility of feeders also creating points of contagion for bird illnesses, but the why questions are foundational, while the how questions are more about the fine details that support the base.

Please don't consider this an attack. I'm curious how you balance the ecology versus interference decisions, in part because I know that making the decision to add bird feeders of any kind are a commitment, not a one-and-done way to add curb appeal.