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Anyone else saddened by RSPB direction, to not feed birds during Summer?

Marianne72

I sat in bed this am, mourning the lack of cheeky sparrows and raucious jackdaws at my empty bird table. Worse, this pm, as I went to feed the hedghogs, a disconsolate fat wood pigeon was roosting on top, where he usually awaits his meals. When he finally flew off, I felt as if something was lost. I know the reasoning is good, leading hopefully to healthy birds, but I still can't help feeling guilty. Will they find enough to eat, especially with fledgelings, and my having fed throughout the year for many years [in line with former RSPB advice]. I know others are feeling the same - having asked AI but it doesn't stop my feeling guilty and missing the antics of my feathered personal flock.

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  • Marianne72 said:
    I still can't help feeling guilty. Will they find enough to eat,

    It probably helps to focus on the harm that you are doing by feeding them - making them depend on you so if you are unable to attend then they may struggle.

    Are you feeling guilty about the problems the birds are facing or missing the gratification that you get from feeling they need you? Have we inadvertently trapped them into dependency?

    I suspect they will quickly adapt back to foraging again once the easy pickings from humans are gone.

    Rationalising it can help focus where our feelings are about the suffering of others or about our own neediness and once laid bare it is easier to process how you feel about it

  • in reply to Iain

    Thank you - they are very good points, and about dependency. Yes, it is probably selfish - I loved their song, their antics [particularly the corvids] and opening the curtains in anticipation to see what would be there.

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