Some reasons why you should not hand feed birds in your garden of in parks

Over the years residents and visitors to Hurstville have handed out large volumes of food to wildlife and this has caused an unnatural increase in the numbers of some native birds and introduced species. For example, the introduced Indian Mynahs can push native birds and mammals out of their nesting hollows. Feeding birds upsets the delicate balance of nature and jeopardises the welfare of all animals.

Currawongs and Ravens, when then prey on the young of our smaller native birds such as fairy wrens;

Wildlife species that do not normally occur within Hurstville, e.g. feral pigeons and starlings that compete with the local wildlife for food and nesting sites;

Vermin such as black rats come out at night for an easy feed.

Aggressive towards humans and each other, for example, hungry kookaburras around a picnic table;

Dependant on unnatural food and they may lose the ability to find their own food;

Easy targets for cats and dogs;

The type of food provided is often inappropriate and can be fatal to wildlife. Poor nutrition can lead to deformities, reduced ability to cape with cold weather and a higher susceptibility to diseases and bad health.

Disease can easily spread from animal to animal – sick birds are attracted to free food. Diseases such as the dangerous Newcastle disease are easily transmitted where there are large numbers of birds. Other diseases such as viral, fungal and bacterial diseases can result n birds dying a slow and painful death.

Why not contribute to the local fauna conservation by studying our birds, noting the types of species, note their numbers, natural food sources, nesting sites and migration patterns.

You can provide and bird friendly habitat in your garden through the use of local native plants that provide nectar, seeds and insects. Provide a fresh clean water supply in a safe location.

Join your local Bushcare Group!

Hurstville Bushcare promotes bush regeneration to help our native plants and animals survive in urban areas.

For more information please contact Hurstville Council on + 61 (02) 9330 6228