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Jody
E.G.D.Please Don’t Feed the Birds
Posted by Jody on June 19, 2013
Please don’t feed the birds!
Have you seen “Please Don’t Feed the Birds” signs like these? They seem to be popping up more and more along beaches and within our coastal communities. I’ll admit to being one of those people who cringes when folks are feeding french fries and bits of hamburger buns to nearby seagulls, even more so if it’s happening while we’re dining at a beach side cafe (Eeewwww). Seriously, I’m wincing just thinking about it!
Why? Because, when people feed shorebirds and waterfowl:
◊ Waterfowl can become concentrated in small urban environments that are not capable of supporting large flocks.
◊ Waterfowl may become malnourished and risks of disease increase.
◊ Birds can become nuisance animals at feeding sites and other areas where they congregate.
◊ Unnatural concentrations of waterfowl can cause overgrazing and erosion, which may be undesirable for other species.
◊ High concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria contribute to unsanitary conditions and to closures of beaches and shellfish beds
Source: The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)
Waiting for a treat?
As a result of the detrimental effects that hand-feeding gulls, geese, ducks, and swans has on both the environment and the shorebirds/waterfowl, a law was passed in 2003 banning the feeding of wild waterfowl throughout the State of Rhode Island. The Rhode Island DEM put together a wonderfully instructive brochure which addresses the problems associated with the feeding of our beach-going fine feathered friends: 5 REASONS WHY FEEDING WATERFOWL IS HARMFUL.
Here are a few more first-rate resources:
East Devon District Council (UK): Seagulls – Frequently Asked Questions
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation ~ Please Don’t Feed The Gulls Brochure.
Alliance for the Great Lakes ~ Beach Trash and Wildlife
~~~
“For most gulls it was not flying that matters, but eating.
For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight.”
~ Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull
~~~
Have a great day at the beach!
dorothyadele said
I agree that people should not interfere with the birds because it could cause harm. Plus it is annoying to have several birds surround visitors who are there to relax.
Jody said
Yes, they can become so aggressive, too!
Rolling Harbour said
It is bizarre that humans will happily feed to birds and animals things that they themselves eat even though they know perfectly well these items are bad for them. French fries for gulls – or dogs? Geddaway. RH
Jody said
Ain’t that the truth!
Marianne said
I totally agree, Jody!
Jody said
Thanks, Marianne!
Suzanne said
Great article. I wish these signs were posted on all popular beaches. Seagulls are becoming quite a menace on some Australian beaches.
Jody said
Thanks, Suzanne! I know what you mean. They really do become quite unafraid of us.
Fossillady said
Thanks for posting Jody, people can be really dumb sometimes when it comes to healthy eating habits for themselves, but for the birds it can be life threatening too! :O(
Jody said
Absolutely! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!