The City of Lethbridge is asking that you avoid feeding wild birds.
Officials say the City has received several reports of dead birds at Henderson Lake.
According to the City, a large amount of bird seed was found on the ground in the park. “We want to urge you not to feed wildlife because it does a lot more harm than good,” officials say, noting that wildlife and waterfowl never need supplemental food from humans.
Officials say their natural habitat provides ample food sources that are appropriate for their species, and food left by humans lacks nutritional value, and increases their dependence on humans
“It isn’t our responsibility to feed wildlife,” adds Helen Schuler Nature Centre Manager Coreen Putman. “Birds are developing important skills, as they forage. Once they learn to expect food from a non-natural source, they’re more likely to suffer malnutrition and delay migration.”
“If you love wild birds, the best thing you can do is not handfeed them. Watch them, enjoy them and learn more about their natural behaviours, what they’re doing during the different seasons and advocate for great park spaces,” Putman notes.
“Enjoy birds in their natural way.”
Dependance isn’t the only unintended consequence:
- Feeding decreases their natural instincts and puts them at greater risk of injury and predation;
- Excess food, grain or seeds left behind can spoil and trigger illness when consumed by wildlife;
- Feeding contributes to overcrowding, which increases disease transmission for salmonella and avian influenza.
“Birds that become accustomed to handouts may lose their natural caution,” emphasizes Putman. “This leads to aggressive behaviour between birds, as well as towards children and pets.”
Henderson Lake is one of the areas with the most concentrated issue, but people are also handfeeding birds in the River Valley.
“We’ve put together a wide-range of signs to try to help educate people,” says Putman.
With wild birds becoming food conditioned, people are harming them without intent, but changing their behaviour, Putman explains. “When birds are eating food that’s not natural, it’s often not as nutritionally robust. By handfeeding them, you’re decreasing their overall health.”
Putman adds malnutrition will especially be bad news for waterfowl handfed bread.
For tips on supporting wildlife without feeding them, visit the Helen Schuler Nature Centre’s website.
