Feeding wildlife, including sparrows, can be a rewarding experience. Watching birds flock to your backyard feeder provides entertainment and allows you to connect with nature. However, there are some important factors to consider before offering food to wild birds.
Is it legal to feed sparrows where I live?
Laws regarding wildlife feeding vary by state and municipality. Some places prohibit feeding wild birds entirely, while others restrict the types of food that can be offered. Before putting out any bird feeders, research your local laws and regulations. Feeding sparrows may require obtaining permits or licenses. Violating wildlife feeding laws could result in fines or other penalties.
Will feeding sparrows attract other pests?
Offering free meals will likely bring sparrows flocking to your yard. However, food scraps and seeds below feeders can also attract less desirable guests. Rats, mice, raccoons, squirrels, and insects often capitalize on easy bird food sources. To discourage pests, clean up fallen seeds promptly, position feeders away from bushes and fences where rodents can hide, and use pest-resistant feeders.
Could I spread diseases to wild birds?
Backyard bird feeding carries some risk of disease transmission. When birds congregate at feeders, illnesses can spread through the flock. Salmonella bacteria and Avian influenza virus are two examples of contagious pathogens that travel between wild birds. Practicing proper hygiene around feeders is crucial. Wear gloves when handling bird food or cleaning feeders, clean feeders regularly with a bleach solution, and remove areas where standing water can accumulate.
Will feeding change sparrow behavior or diets?
Supplemental feeding can alter natural bird behaviors and diets. Sparrows may become dependent on handouts, spending less time foraging for nutritious foods. This can negatively impact health and survival rates. Feeders may also attract non-native invasive species or cause unnaturally high bird densities. To minimize impact, use only small amounts of high quality seed, spread feeding times throughout daylight hours, and monitor feeding stations for problems.
Will feeders attract predators?
Feeders concentrated with birds and seed can draw the attention of predators. Birds at feeders may be more vulnerable to ambush by cats or birds of prey. Predation risk is highest near trees, shrubs, and manmade structures where predators can hide and wait to attack. Placing feeders in open areas away from cover can help, but predation is a natural risk all birds face. Only provide supplemental feeding if you accept that some loss is inevitable.
What type of food should I provide?
Sparrows are primarily seed eaters. Good options are millet, oats, wheat, safflower, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds. Mixes with variety give needed nutrition. Bread products offer little value and can quickly spoil and become moldy. Only offer human-food scraps very sparingly, if at all. And never put out dehydrated fruits with sulphur dioxide, which can be deadly to birds.
Should I offer grit for better digestion?
In addition to seed, providing some grit can aid digestion. Sparrows naturally consume small rocks and sand to grind up food in their gizzard. Supplying a grit mix of crushed eggshell, oyster shell, or sand near feeders allows birds to take what they need. Alternatively, look for commercial seed mixes that contain added grit. Offer grit in moderation, as too much can cause crop impaction.
How can I deter squirrels and large aggressive birds?
Squirrels and larger birds like grackles can dominate feeders, scaring away small birds. Specialty “squirrel-proof” feeders with weight-sensitive perches can restrict access. Offering safflower seed, which squirrels dislike, or placing feeders 8-10 feet off the ground with a guard below also deters them. For aggressive birds, multiple feeders spread wide apart prevent territorial behavior.
Where should I place the feeders in my yard?
Look for open areas within 10 feet of trees or shrubs that birds can quickly escape to. Placing feeders near windows allows you to observe activity. Avoid areas near bushes where cats may hide. Position feeders out of the elements, in sites protected from wind and rain. And situate them close enough to your home for easy filling and cleaning, but not directly above walkways due to mess from falling seeds.
How often should I clean my feeders?
To prevent disease, thoroughly clean feeders at least once every two weeks. Every time you fill, also do a quick cleaning to remove built-up debris. Soak and scrub feeders in a 10% bleach solution, rinse, and let dry completely before refilling. Wear waterproof gloves when cleaning. Scoop out and discard any moldy, wet seed between deeper cleanings.
Can I make my own bird food mixes?
With some simple ingredients, you can easily create homemade bird feed mixes. Combine seeds like millet, cracked corn, oats, and sunflower seeds with nourishing add-ins like peanuts, raisins, mealworms, oyster shell, and wheat germ. Tailor mixes to local species. Store unused portions in a cool, dry area in a sealed bin. Homemade mixes lack preservatives so make smaller batches to avoid spoilage.
Sample Nutritious Homemade Bird Seed Mix
Ingredient | Amount |
Black oil sunflower seed | 2 cups |
Cracked corn | 1 cup |
Nyjer seed | 1/2 cup |
Oat groats | 1/2 cup |
Millet | 1/4 cup |
Peanuts | 1/4 cup |
Raisins | 2 Tbsp |
Oyster shell grit | 2 Tbsp |
Combine all ingredients in an airtight container. Use within 1-2 weeks.
Conclusion
Feeding wild birds like sparrows can be entertaining but also carries risks. Consider local laws, prevention of pests and diseases, impacts on natural behavior, attraction of predators, proper nutrition, and hygienic feeding practices. Offer only high quality foods in small amounts while making sure feeders are cleaned regularly. With some cautions taken, you can safely enjoy observing backyard birds visiting your feeders.