Bird Feeders Are Good for Some Species—But Possibly Bad for Others

I went to an Austin nature store in May of 2020 to buy bird feeders as the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic chewed through Texas. The birds were drawn by seed and suet slabs. The birds flew down from the trees and wires.

I was not alone. Feeders have been a popular way to connect with nature and draw in migrants. The US made up $4 billion of the $5 billion to $6 billion bird food market. The National Audubon Society reported record 2020 sales of their backyard bird feeders and wild bird-food-licensing programs, as well as 50 percent jumps in demand. Many people, like me, have set out a feeders to watch birds.