US scientists have stressed the importance of recognizing the positive impact of bird feeding on humans.
- In the study, people reported their emotional reactions after feeding the birds.
- Feeding these animals is “one of the only ways we have to connect with wildlife on a daily basis.”
- Urban dwellers, people with patios, and adults with a wide range of physical abilities can do it.
Human beings have a particularly strong bond with birds. This is why many people feed them all over the world. This is the observation made by researchers from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (United States), who plead not only for the recognition of the advantages of this activity for humans, but also for it to be plays a role in public guidelines and policies. “Wildlife agencies and others who make decisions about bird feeding management must consider not only the science about birds, but also the science about humans.”said Ashley Dayer, professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
People feeding birds also report “their emotional reactions”
As part of a study, published in the journal People and Nature, the researcher and her team wanted to demonstrate that feeding birds was beneficial for our health. They decided to begin their work in 2021 after noticing that 23 state agencies were advising Americans to stop feeding birds to reduce the spread of avian diseases. However, they made these recommendations without proof. So, to better understand the impact of regular bird feeding on human well-being, the scientists used an existing network of enthusiasts who were asked to report what they see at their bird feeders from November to April.
“People not only report what they see in their feeders, but also their emotional reactions,” explained Ashley Dayer. According to her, this positive effect is not limited to enthusiasts. She clarified that residents of urban areas, people who simply have a terrace, adults with a wide range of physical abilities can feed the birds. “It is therefore an excellent way to maintain the link between humans and wildlife,” she added.
Feeding birds to “establish a daily connection with wildlife”
“In a world where so many of us live in cities or suburbs, visiting birds at feeders in our gardens or on our balconies is one of the only ways we have to establish a daily connection with wildlife But people want to be able to feed birds in a way that keeps wild bird populations healthy and thriving. Our work will help us develop bird feeding recommendations that minimize risks to wild birds and maximize the benefits for the people who feed them”, concluded Dana Hawleyprofessor of biological sciences and co-author of the research.
