Date: 6/11/26 10:40 am From: Steve Garr <0000098f997b30c5-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Year-Round Feeding. - Kevin Hogan. (alert- long reply!)
Good morning Kevin and all,Regina Garr here this time, weighing in with Steve's permission (smile). It is always great to see folks care about how their actions may affect the birds they attract to their space!This is a subject we have spent many decades considering and have had the opportunity to get a great deal of input from a wide variety of sources. One of the most detailed studies I recall was conducted by Kaytee Products in the 80s (manufacturer of both Wild Bird and Cage Bird blends as well as other foods--they have changed hands since that time). The study was conducted in cooperation with independent researchers. The sample of banded backyard birds in their study showed that on average the birds visited 5-6 food sources (both natural and provided) within a 5 mile radius every day. They summarized that in nature birds never know when a particular food source might dry up or go away (a hatch of insects for instance), so they keep multiple sites in their daily schedule. Since that time there have been many similar studies conducted and you can probably investigate and find info on several. I just use this one as an example for space here --so please do not look at this study as ONE instance. And please do not email me asking about sample size and methodology (another smile)--I recall it all to be adequate and accepted by researchers that know more than me. Some studies which have shown dependency by birds on a food source, ultimately turned out to be mostly scavengers in places like massive garbage dumps in other countries (not really relevant to our backyard birds). Our backyard birds can certainly make us feel like we are the only game in town! They look in the window or stand on feeders "looking" for their food. "My" birds have surely guilted me into setting down my morning cup of coffee to hurry out and give them their mealworms and jelly so they would stop looking at me. There are wildlife studies that have shown mammals to have far greater fidelity to food sources than our backyard birds.This is why squirrels, raccoons, and bears can be so persistent at feeding stations. My guess is we humans would be at the top of the list of creatures that can become dependent on one particular meal ticket and then forget how to get food anywhere else! While we are on the bird food subject-- I have been in corporate meetings when I worked for animal food vendors where they introduced a new wild bird food that was nutritionally "complete and balanced" for back yard birds. The sales force in the room were always thrilled and motivated, but the animal nutritionists and R & D folks mostly rolled their eyes. They knew "complete and balanced" is very important for birds kept in cages--not really important for wild birds. Bottom line: Please keep feeders clean (not "laboratory clean"--just clean), and certainly don't feed food stuffs that would be harmful to birds. Cornell and other entities have good info on these topics. AND ENJOY the birds we are blessed to see!! Most of them are stressed during nesting season and a little extra food provided is a good thing for them and fun for us.But no need to worry about balancing their diet or making them dependent on us. Sorry for the length! (Steve will never let me write again).Regina GarrCole CountyJefferson City
On Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 10:50:17 AM CDT, Lisa Saffell <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
I’m selfish, I do it more for me. I can’t imagine my morning coffee without all the activity in my yard. Although I must say, the Grackles, House Sparrows, and Starlings are making it less delightful! I’m still waiting on the Bluejay babies.
“A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” — Maya Angelou
Lisa Saffell, St. <Louis...>/<lisasaffell...>/stl_birder
On Jun 11, 2026, at 10:31 AM, Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Kevin, et al.,I'm no expert on this issue, but when I notice the newly fledged Downy Woodpeckers spending a long time on the suet feeder, I take it down to encourage them (and their parents) to go for other sources. I put suet back up mid-to late summer.
Edge WadeColumbia, <MO1edgewade...>
On Thu, Jun 11, 2026 at 10:25 AM Carla_Kevin Hogan <000006902ce90b64-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Hello all, What is the consensus on feeding backyard birds year-round? Does it negatively affect the parental teaching of food sources outside the backyard feeding area? All comments are welcome and appreciated. Kevin Hogan.
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
