Birding Today: Feeding birds doesn’t hurt them

Several people have asked about feeding birds and whether or not it is harmful to them.

There is no reason that one should cease feeding the birds. There are old wives tales that say that it will keep birds from migrating, they will forget how to hunt for food, and many other well-intentioned statements that have been contradicted by science and lengthy studies. If you like birds and want to view them in your yard, by all means, enjoy having them.

The best quality seed with the most energy and nutritional value are black oil sunflower seeds. If you don’t wish to dirty your yard with seed hulls that can also collect mold and other bacteria, sunflower seed hearts may work better for you. Doves and other ground feeders enjoy millet, which you can feed on the ground or on a tray feeder.

Woodpeckers are attracted by peanut hearts or whole unsalted peanuts. You can purchase these at any good quality wild bird food supplier, but don’t purchase the salted peanuts that we consume at the grocery store.