Great news! The Pennsylvania Game Commission, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and many other conservation and science organizations have deemed it safe to feed birds again!
Those who have been heartbroken, bored and longing for the company of their fine-feathered friends can rejoice!
We thought it would be a good time to relay the results of new research that confirms the value of supplemental bird food and what exactly that means for you, the backyard hobbyist and bird lover.
Over 100 North American bird species supplement their natural diets with birdseed, suet, fruit and nectar obtained from feeders.
Foraging for natural food sources is time and energy consuming.
During nesting season, feeders allow breeding birds to spend less time searching for food and more time finding quality locations and building better nests.
This often leads to earlier nesting in which broods typically have better survival rates.
Finally, providing the right food (such as mealworms, WBU Nesting Blend, and other insect-based products) means more food in a reliable source is available to the young.
It also reduces parental foraging time which can leave them vulnerable to predation.
A blanket of fresh snow is appealing to the eye, but it can make things difficult for birds.
During harsh winters, your feeder can be a vital bridge to the spring for many species.
Bird feeding has also been shown to help with molting which requires more nutrient resources. In addition, certain birds in urban environments benefit by feeders where natural food sources are often lacking.
Experts still aren’t sure what caused the bird illness but the number of reports and incidents has diminished to the point it is no longer a threat.
Continue to clean your feeders regularly…it’s never a bad idea!
Fill them up and enjoy the birds!! Visit WBU Buckingham at 4920 York Road or call them at 215-794-3888.
PHOTO CAP: Bluebird on Wild Birds Unlimited feeder