FEEDING BIRDS YEAR ROUND

Hey BirdGal, Will the birds become dependent on me if I start feeding them this fall? What if I go away for a few weeks during the winter, will they starve? Just Curious
Dear Curious, Studies have been conducted indicating that birdfeeder availability during the winter in the colder, northern states probably improves the survival rate of chickadees, but overall, birdfeeding does not affect birds’ survivability. Because birds have wings, they instinctively forage for food visiting many locations during the day searching for different sources. Birds never become dependent on one source and most studies have shown that birds with easy access to feeders only use them for 20% of their daily rations. If your feeders are empty or you stop feeding, they will seek out other sources. Birds are creatures of habit and remember where they have found food in the past. BG