Posted by Jim Duquesnel on May 14, 2004 at 11:44:25:
In Reply to: RFI: Bird feeding in South Florida posted by Ken Schneider on May 02, 2004 at 08:21:19:
Check my recommended plant species in my responses to another bird-feeding inquiry on the Miami birdboard: "Somewhat bird related- - Native shrubs - Alex 20:42:48 05/09/04 (5)"
When asked what to feed, I always urge folks to try to replace some of the diverse native plant community lost to development. Plant diversity is critical as it provides food throughout the year.
I am always struck by the irony of claims that you need birdseed to attract native birds, and exotic flowers to attract native butterflies. The native wildlife obviously used to get along fine without sunflowers and other seed mix ingredients, or exotic nectar sources. However, many of the invading exotic birds would not be doing as well without these supplements. Feeding is not inherently bad, but birders should watch to see just who is benefiting most, and adjust their offerings accordingly. The same goes for water. Exotic Eurasian collared doves love a bird bath, but most of my smaller native songbirds actually prefer the wet foliage I provide by letting the sprinker run for few minutes over the shrubbery. Okay, I admit it, the cardinals and catbirds do like to wallow, too. Anyway, an more complete article I wrote on the topic ran in Tillandsia, the Native Plant Society (Dade Chapter) newsletter this February: http://www.fnps.org/chapters/dade/pastnewslets/newslet402.html#FT