Ashley Dayer, a researcher, is dedicated to proving that bird feeding benefits not only the feathered creatures themselves but also human well-being.
As an associate professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech (USA), Dayer leads a groundbreaking study featured in People and Nature. This study advocates for the acknowledgment of bird feeding’s advantages for humans and its integration into public guidelines and policies.
According to Dayer, wildlife protection agencies and decision-makers in bird feeding management must consider not just the birds’ outcomes but also how this activity affects people.
The importance of bird feeding transcends avian benefits, extending to human welfare. Dayer and her team from Virginia Tech are spearheading extensive research on bird feeding, incorporating human observation—a novel approach in this field.
Beyond mere bird sightings, participants in this study report their emotional responses to bird feeding. This holistic perspective provides invaluable insights into the human dimension of bird feeding, complementing traditional scientific methodologies.
Supported by a recent National Science Foundation grant exceeding $1.5 million, Dayer and Dana Hawley, a professor of biological sciences, aim to engage over 10,000 bird enthusiasts across the United States.
The project stems from Dayer and Hawley’s prior research efforts, initiated about six years ago. Initially funded by a joint research grant from the Global Change Center and the Institute for Society, Culture, and the Environment at Virginia Tech, their work has now evolved to include human-centric investigations.
Hawley, reflecting on her previous research, acknowledges the oversight regarding human involvement in bird feeding studies. This realization serves as a catalyst for the current project.
Utilizing the existing network of bird enthusiasts from Project FeederWatch, the team aims to leverage citizen science to understand the broader impacts of bird feeding. FeederWatch participants will not only report bird sightings but also monitor their own well-being throughout the study.
Dayer’s personal connection to bird feeding, instilled by her mother’s passion, underscores the profound impact this activity can have on individuals. This familial tradition highlights bird feeding’s role as a bridge between humans and wildlife.
Embracing this sentiment, Dayer emphasizes that bird feeding is accessible to people across various urban and suburban landscapes, fostering a vital connection with nature.
Hawley echoes this sentiment, envisioning their research contributing to the development of policies that promote both human health and harmonious relationships with wildlife.
In a world where urbanization increasingly disconnects people from nature, bird feeding stands as a beacon of connectivity. By prioritizing the well-being of both birds and humans, Dayer and Hawley’s work strives to create guidelines that enhance the mutual benefits of bird feeding.
Image credit: ProfiMedia