Backyard Feeders: Not Entirely for the Birds

A questionnaire intended to assess the strengths of possible motives for feeding wild birds was completed by 98 people who maintain feeders. The aesthetic value of birds was the strongest motive. This was followed by an anthropomorphic belief that birds appreciate the food put out for them, the opportunity to share an experience with another person, and the entertaining quality of birds. Motivations of lesser relative strength were the sense of feeling needed, watching birds at the feeder as an escape from problems, the companionship provided by wild birds, and a sense of duty/responsibility for their well-being. Relationships between these motives and some demographic characteristics of the respondents are also reported. People evidently derive meaningful and diverse psychological rewards from maintaining a bird feeder.