Plus… Is backyard bird feeding comparable to the unethical and often illegal practice of baiting raptors? Yesterday’s post caused at least some confusion on that subject so I’d like to set the record straight.
- For three days in a row now my blog has had a decidedly bipolar flavor with each post covering two different subjects. Today’s edition should be the last of that trend.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
But first yesterday’s red-tail.
It’s “only a raptor on a post” but it’s a handsome bird, the fence post is old, weathered and leaning and I like the setting and the relaxed foot-up pose. The only pose variety it gave me before taking off (away from me of course) was looking both left and right and I like the hawk looking this direction best because it means I can include more of the out of focus vegetation on the left for a better sense of habitat.
I haven’t been seeing many raptors all summer but I’m encouraged because I’m now seeing significantly more of them in our canyons. I hope that trend continues.
Ok, now I’m going to shift gears, just like I did in yesterday’s post that included a photo of a Merlin and then a discussion about the ethics of baiting raptors.
I felt badly when I read Elephants Child’s (or EC as I call her) comment on yesterday’s post because based on what she said I may not have been clear about the fact that baiting raptors for purposes of photography is clearly unethical (and often illegal) while back yard bird feeding rarely is (even though some ethically challenged bird photographers try to justify their raptor baiting by claiming that it’s no different than feeding birds in our back yards, which is classic rationalization.)
My lack of clarity obviously caused EC significant angst. EC truly has a heart when it comes to all things natural, including critters of all kinds, and she would never knowingly use unethical practices for anything. But she feeds songbirds and others in her yard and occasionally photographs them there so she was afraid that she was unknowingly doing something wrong.
I’ll let her comment speak for itself (I’ve left out one part of it that concerned another matter.) EC lives in Australia so she gets other birds besides songbirds, various members of the parrot family for example, in her yard and her Aussie background explains her reference to “drought”.
- “A tricky post for me today. Baiting? EMPHATICALLY not a fan, which has me wondering/squirming about my own behaviour. We do feed the wild birds. Seed and apples which many of them adore. Particularly in times of drought (which means almost always). I photograph the birds who visit too (though that is not my reason for feeding them). Just the same, I am increasingly wondering whether feeding them is doing harm. We also plant for the birds, paticularly the nectar eaters. And drat them they view all of our planting as for them. I don’t mind them eating plants, but do object when they behead and shred apparently just because they can (without eating any of it). Thinking, thinking, thinking…”
Feeding birds in our back yards certainly is not akin to baiting raptors for photography, even if we photograph birds at our feeders (which I occasionally do for practice or to test new photo equipment).
About 50 million North Americans feed birds and research and data analysis strongly suggests the following about its effects on bird populations:
- Species that come to feeders are either helped or not hurt by bird feeding.
- Species that don’t come to feeders (sea birds, shore birds and tropical forest dwellers) tend to be the ones in the most trouble so it really doesn’t directly affect the birds that most need our assistance and support.
- Feeding birds allows us to feel connected to the natural world and often inspires us to engage in conservation action and environmental advocacy which does help species that need more than just bird seed.
So keep feeding your birds! Just keep your feeders clean so they don’t contribute to the spread of avian diseases and avoid locating feeders in areas that might further increase the incidence of window strikes.
Some suggest that we should also avoid locating feeders where they might increase predation from accipiters such as Cooper’s Hawks but I have mixed feelings about that one. Predatory birds have to eat too and the predator/prey relationship keeps all wild birds fit and adapting.
Ron
Note: If you’d like a more thorough analysis of the effects of bird feeders on birds check out this link from All About Birds.
I’d like to be able to resume feeding the birds here in south Florida, but the parakeets, pigeons and Muscovy Ducks managed to spill all the seed within minutes. Further, it violates local and homeowner association rules to feed the exotic ducks, which can be a major nuisance. After a week my feeder ended up in the garage, but I still try to bring in hummingbirds during the winter. When In New Mexico we set feeders on the porch of a restaurant at 10,000 feet elevation to attract rosy-finches. One photographer actually tied a branch to one of the feeders to make the setting look “natural!” I’ll bet his photos did not include a disclaimer.
I’d bet the farm they didn’t, Ken!
Wow, it sounds like you have a challenging situation with your feeders. And good luck with your approaching hurricane.
I have read every comment here, and want to thank all of you, especially you, Ron for caring for the bird population, whether in your backyard, in the city parks or the conservation areas. We are all trying to protect the species in a small, or big way, and every bit counts. You are special people. Birds give me great joy, whether trying to photograph them or just watching them and I want to do what I can to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
Well said, Jane. If we all chip in in our own way it will make a difference, hopefully, even though the challenges are daunting to say the least.
Ron, you ROCK! For this reason along with many others. You just ROCK! Love the redtail and the Merlin previously, but you knew I would. Oh md I’m a dedicated bird feeder/waterer. Here in the desert, water is paramount.
Thank you, Laura. I often think of you when I post a red-tail.
There is something about the RTH “straightening” the post that I really like (yesterday’s mysterious merlin in the mist, too). My rationale for having bird feeders is that we have destroyed so much habitat that would provide food for birds (and other non-humans) that I’m helping to supplement their diet and support their populations. Perhaps the increased numbers of birds due to feeding them offsets the occasional visiting hawk. I don’t have much interest in photographing them; I would much rather seem them in the wild via your photos.
“There is something about the RTH “straightening” the post that I really like”
I love the way you said that, Lyle. Don’t be surprised if you see me use “straightening the post” in some future blog post. Yup, I’m a word thief.
Feel free. no attribution necessary.
Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your concern for my anxt (and anxt it was) is one of the reasons I am such a devoted follower. One of them.
We have been feeding birds for so long that we now get families bringing their young to the feeders. Which repeats. And we recognise some of the individual birds (plumage and behaviour). From time to time people do tell us that we are doing the wrong thing, and preventing them from ‘living naturally’. They are here at first light (a couple of hours away), much less during the day and come in for a feed before settling down for the night. As you know my mobility is an issue (and I don’t drive). Not feeding/seeing the birds would significantly diminish my world. Some of them trust us to the point when we go out to fill the feeder/hang an apple they will land on the seed bucket/our hand. Which is an immense privilege.
And I adore your Red-tailed Hawk on a stick – and hope you see many, many more of them. Soon.
EC, I knew you were seriously conflicted by my lack of clarity so it was my responsibility to clear it up, simple as that.
I hope you continue to enjoy feeding and interacting with your birds for decades to come.
Thank you again.
I hope so, I really hope so.
And ‘doing your duty’? Kindness, pure and simple. Which I really, really appreciate.
Ron,
I do enjoy the feeders in my backyard. Without them I am sure we would see many fewer species and varieties, let alone shear numbers of visitors. I do enjoy photographing them especially this summer as I have been ill and confined to home for three months of the summer including the last two weeks. Anyway, it is a little distressing to provide a buffet for the local Cooper’s hawks. I found a pile of feathers as evidence of a Cooper eating a large local bird last week and felt bad. But as you say, Hawks need love too.
Best,
Stephen
Feeding and watching birds is therapeutic, Steven. I hope you feel much better very soon!
I too have seen many red tail families in the canyons this year. Sadly I have not seen as many Swainson’s in the north as usual.
I have feeders in my yard, a wide variety of foods and water. I also have planted trees and flowers they like. I wish I could convince service berry and mountain ash to grow in my yard.I feel human sprawl has removed many of their natural habitat for food so I provide food year round. I live by Red Butte Creek and have a natural area behind my house. I have a wide selection of birds even owls and hawks. I photograph the birds occasionally but it is obvious they are on feeders.
I haven’t seen many Swainson’s this summer either, April – in fact very few. But I did see one this morning in the mountains so that was a treat.
I wouldn’t say “only” with raptors — especially Red Tails. 😉
As for feeding birds in one’s yard, I say go for it, especially in times of scarcity brought about by human behavior. Birds will find food in odd places, as the number of LBJs making use of the dogs’ dishes and the Koi pond at the shelter will attest. Bird feeders or bird/insect-attracting plants at your home are a far cry from going out into the wild and leaving a carcass in order to “capture” a raptor photo.
“I wouldn’t say “only” with raptors — especially Red Tails”
I agree, Marty. That’s why I put it in quotes.
I feel badly if my comments also contributed to any misunderstanding. For background, I taught Ornithology at the University of Oregon for over 35 years. From my comments, you will know that I’m clearly against baiting or bringing in birds using recordings. However, I do feed birds and after retiring, my wife and I now own the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Eugene, OR, a retail store for seed, feeders and anything related to attracting birds into your backyard. There are now numerous goodD scientific studies which show positive effects from feeding birds and it may greatly benefit some species in marginal habitats. Additionally, stopping to feed birds causes no harm. They quickly return to other sources already available. In fact, the food you provide is only a small portion of their daily diet. So continue to feed and enjoy the birds and be assured you are causing no harm (as long as your feeding area is clean and unreachable to roaming cats). And if your photos are from feeders in your yard, there is nothing wrong with that, just be honest about it.
Dan, I was hoping you and/or Kelli Frame (owner of our local Wild Birds Unlimited store) would chime in here. Thanks for doing so.
Since you’re in Eugene I’ll bet you know or are aware of Louise Shimmel, founder of Cascades Raptor Center. She occasionally comments here and like you has been very helpful with reliable information.
I know Louise well. We have been friends since before she started Cascades Raptor Center. If you visit the center you will see signs for the education birds by each enclosure. Louise and I wrote the information for each species, I created the range maps and Barbara, my wife, did the drawings of the birds used for each sign. I’ve spend alot of time over the years giving talks, etc. at the center and have watched it grow and gain a worldwide reputation thanks to Louise and her staff. Louise is responsible for many of the regulations concerning rehabilitation in Oregon and is well-respected in the field around the country for her work and knowledge. By all means, come visit. I think you will be impressed by the facility and the great work that is being done here.
I’m sure I would be impressed, Dan. I think the entire rehab world knows of Louise and her contributions.
Besides showing a great shot of a beautiful bird this is an interesting post, like all your posts, but this is specifically! I feed birds and don’t consider my feeding of birds unethical, even when I take an image of a bird at the feeder. One of the reasons I like your blog is that you are up front and honest about how you feel concerning baiting. In my mind feeding birds at a bird feeder is some different than setting up a feeding station for the benefit of photography giving the allusion that the picture was not taken at a feeding station and than not being honest about it by not telling people how the picture was taken. Just one of the reasons I don’t get involved with contests anymore.
I’ve been to Australia birding and love that country. Stay strong EC don’t let anyone discourage you!! Birds can use and sometimes need the food we provide due to weather conditions, poor seed crop, drought, flooding, etc. I suppose there will always be two separate camps.
There’s nothing at all wrong with photographing birds at feeders, Dick. But when folks post those photos online and don’t disclose that they’re feeder shots I do have a problem with that. Thank you.
Lovely raptor on a post. We have a Cooper’s (several actually) in our neighborhood. I cheer when they snag a meal of dove or pigeons. 🙂 roadrunners roam here too. I’ve been told that they stalk hummingbird feeders for snacks. I’ve dogs in the yard so that may dissuade them. I love them all (well the doves and pigeons and I are more of a Southern polite) so while it is sad to lose a favorite (baby bunny to a damned loose cat), I get it.
Thanks, Arwen. So jealous of your roadrunners!
To prevent bird strikes, I used this: https://windowalert.com. Lasted for many years. I also see a more comprehensive window film, solyx. The decals solved my problem, but as the glass got older (and probably, dirtier and more scratched) birds no longer hit the windows, even after the decals got old and peeled off.
Mary, thankfully window strikes are an unusual event for me. Maybe once every couple of years I’ll have a bird killed from a strike and when I have my feeders out they’re not close to the house.
Beautiful photo of the hawk! 🙂 Like the 1 foot up pose and the post as a perch adds to it…… 🙂 As to bird feeders. We have a couple of feeders that attract many song birds both at and under the feeders – MOST entertaining except for the challenge of keeping Magpies and Red Winged Blackbirds from hogging it all……. 😉 I do very little photography there as that is not their purpose. We enjoy watching them out a picture window with the changes of birds with the seasons and varying numbers depending on natural food supply which is also generally plentiful in our rural area. I certainly don’t consider it “baiting” and yes, raptors do come through now and again tho they have a challenge due to trees all around. Window, despite our best efforts, probably claim more than the raptors ever do which is a couple every year that don’t survive with or without our help when it happens. Hope that relieves some of EC’s angst! 🙂
Thanks, Judy. I felt badly about causing her unnecessary stress.
First …the most important item…WHAT A BEAUTY! Love everything about that photo. That pose is just too much! 😍 I too am seeing a slight up swing in raptors lately which makes me very happy. I don’t always get to photograph them because of their distance but enjoy watching them none the less. I was having similar feeling that EC stated. There are 12 or so feeders of various types in the back yard…which is on the edge of a heavily wooded ravine so my bird population most times is varied and heavy. There is a pond and waterfall so I get to enjoy eating, drinking and bathing antics. For the most part I don’t photograph them anymore unless a different species shows up or behavior is different. I do feel good when we have sudden weather changes that causes problems for their eating and we have food out there for them. And then there is the occasional hawk, usually a Cooper’s that comes in for a smorgasbord meal but most times the resident bluejays announce his arrival in the area. At first I felt guilty about providing for the hawk but as you said ‘predatory birds have to eat too’.
I’m jealous of your numbers and variety of birds, Kathy. I haven’t had my feeders out much for the last couple of years, largely because starlings and House Sparrows are about all I get most times of the year. I keep thinking I should put my feeders out again and see what shows up.
I’ve been meaning to ask, do you use continuous shooting mode most of the time. Your action pictures are great and know that you have to also be using a tripod.
Steven, I always have my camera set on burst mode so I have it available when I need it. Since my camera shoots 10 frames per second that means when I intend to take only one shot I often take two because I can’t take my finger off the shutter button fast enough (but quite often that second shot is the best of the two).
I only rarely use a tripod. Most of the time I’m shooting from my pickup window (birds are far less afraid of vehicles than they are of people on foot) using my handy-dandy “noodle” as a lens rest.