Summer bird feeding requires precautions

Bird feeding is an enormously popular activity. That does not come as a surprise to many people, as we all have friends and neighbors who are fascinated by watching and identifying the birds that come to their feeders.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, approximately 55 million people in the U.S. feed wild birds.

Even bird feeding is not without controversy. Many bird experts believe that putting food out for birds has negative effects upon avian populations, and they cite studies to support their positions. Other avian experts support supplemental feeding and have their own studies to support that position.

• Phil Cooper is a wildlife conservation educator in Coeur d’Alene for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

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