Danish scientists from Aarhus University have discovered that ordinary bird feeders can have a negative impact on the environment. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Frontiers in Ecology and Environment (FEE).
Analysis of UK data has shown that millions of home bird feeders worldwide result in significant nutrient transfers into local environments. This artificial interference with a natural process can have unforeseen environmental consequences.
The team estimates that feeding birds releases an additional 2,400 tonnes of phosphorus into the environment each year – a level comparable to phosphorus emissions from other human activities, including industrial waste and sewage.
Scientists say nutrients from bird food eventually flow into rivers, where they cause algae overgrowth and harm aquatic life.
The researchers emphasised that bird feeding practices are important but require responsible management that takes environmental impact into account.
Earlier scientists I learnedMining for the development of renewable energy threatens thousands of species of flora and fauna.