In neighborhoods with large concentrations of bird feeders and crows, American robin nests are less successful. (Image by J.Malpass)
Are bird feeders helpful or harmful for your neighborhood’s birds? Recent study shows that the answer to that question is more complex than a simple “yes” or “no”. The four-year study analyzed connections between songbird nests, bird feeders, and predators in Columbus, Ohio. Results varied: for example, in neighborhoods with large crow populations, bird feeders increased the risk of predation on robin nests. But in other areas, bird feeders helped satiate predators, making them less likely to prey on robin’s nests. So take a look around at your neighboring birds before putting out the bird feeders in the spring – it might help save some lives.
Authors:
Jennifer S. Malpass, Amanda D. Rodewald, and Stephen N. Matthews
Corresponding author:
Jennifer Malpass, School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, US
Original paper published in The Auk on December 8, 2016.
