Avast, ye scurvy landlubbers! Heed the words of these mateys: feedin' birds be mighty good for yer soul, arr!
2023-12-11
Avast ye! A fresh inquiry be seekin' the merry power o' bird feedin' on us landlubbers. Virginia Tech scallywags reckon tendin' to wild birds might do wonders fer yer soul, mateys!
An American professor, Ashley Dayer, is conducting research on the positive effects of bird feeding on humans. Dayer, who was inspired by her own mother's dedication to bird feeding, is the lead author of an article published in People and Nature. The aim of the study is to understand the benefits of bird feeding and its potential impact on public guidance and policy.Dayer and her team at Virginia Tech believe that many wildlife agencies do not consider the scientific aspects of bird feeding and its effects on both birds and people. The associate professor became interested in this topic in 2021 when state agencies recommended people to stop feeding birds due to disease outbreaks. However, after conducting her own research, Dayer found that these recommendations were made without any evidence of their effectiveness in stopping the spread of diseases.
The research team is using FeederWatch, a network of bird enthusiasts, to gather data for their study. Participants are asked to observe and report their experiences with bird feeding from November to April. The response from the bird-feeding community has been passionate, with participants sharing their emotional responses to the birds and other wildlife they encounter.
Early findings from the study suggest that participants feel a sense of sadness when they come into contact with dead birds, regardless of the cause of death. Dayer and her team hope that their research will help develop guidelines for safe and beneficial bird feeding practices.
Overall, this study explores the often overlooked connection between bird feeding and human well-being, shedding light on the positive effects it can have on individuals. The research also highlights the need for evidence-based recommendations when it comes to bird feeding and disease prevention.