Bird feeders have become a big trend in North America and Europe, especially those areas that face cooler winters with changing seasons. Many feel like they’re doing birds a favor by offering them feeders with seed to feed them during the winter when resources aren’t as plentiful; but a new study has showed that this behavior can change migration patterns and is in turn, detrimental to the evolution of the species.
A study conducted by scientists at the University of Frieburg in Germany, concludes that the feeding of European blackcap birds during the winter months in England, prevents some of the population from migrating to Spain where a warmer climate provides a wealth of resources and nourishment to the feathered friends. With seed available in backyard feeders, many blackcaps choose to stick close to home, remaining locally later into the winter, or even in some cases permanently.
Others that do migrate to warmer climates, even briefly, often return earlier in order to claim their territory that’s in close proximity to the best bird feeders. It’s clear that bird feeders alter migration patterns; a trend that is also applicable in North America, but the affects go beyond that, since they can be detrimental to evolution.
According to the study, the migratory patterns that have resulted from the availability of birdfeeders have actually created a division among one species. After testing a chemical in the bird’s claws that acts like a signature, researchers discovered that there is a split in evolution. Those that migrate to feed during the winter differ from those that stay close to home; and each category tends to breed with one another.
Some researchers involved with this study believe that these evolutionary changes are harmless, but no matter which way you spin in it, this is an example of human influence changing the natural course of the environment.
Image Via: Flickr User Sergey Y with a Creative Commons License
Evolution is a process not an outcome. “Detrimental to Evolution” doesn’t quite make sense.
Am I supposed to feel bad or good about the dozen bird feeders I maintain around my yard year-round? I mean excuse me for be a Birdfeeders.com addict! Personally I think the changes in migratory patterns are natural and would happen even if there weren’t humans, food sources come and go on their own as well.
Betsy – I have that thought about a lot of “environmental issues” we’re experiencing today. We might play a role, but these days, we’re quick to point fingers at ourselves when there might be other natural causes.
John – that may be true, but sometimes when writing for the internet, for the sake of SEO, some rules must be bent
We see changes in the bird populations in our small mountain lake resort town. Lots of people feed and we are a big attractant in the Pacific Flyway because of the lake. Changes in behavior and also in breeding patterns is something we have to continue to study. I suspect a few cross breedings–and get concerned with those who stay longer than they should just because we alter their behavior.