Sanctuary signs are for the birds

THE new ‘Do not feed the birds’ signs at Balyang Sanctuary are welcome and I hope visitors respect them.

There is no doubt that to have a small army of gulls, ducks and waterhens around your feet can be a delight, but it is not so good for the birds.

Research by Deakin University and Birdlife Australia has shown that feeding birds in is a hazard for the birds.

The problems relate to their health, the risk of disease spread, predation and the attraction of vermin.

Firstly the birds’ health. In most cases the food provided is bread or minced meat both of which contain high levels of preservatives.

These may not hurt human health but when consumed in high levels against the low body weight of birds, it can be disastrous.

Then there is the risk of spreading disease through the contamination caused by the accumulation of their droppings and the discarded feath- ers. Predators, particularly foxes and cats, will be drawn to the site, and rats to feed on discarded scraps.

The birds will often drop the food into the lake where it creates more issues in the aquatic environment.

The birds are not pets or parts of a farm or aviary, but freeflying wild creatures to be admired and respected.

Please, take your small children to Balyang, show them the birds and explain that while they are living here, they are free to come and go at will.

Wildlife information and questions can be sent to ppescott@optusnet.com.au