This whole discussion reminds me of a chat I had with a beginning,
but health-conscious, birder about ten years or so ago.  She was
very upset that people were putting suet out for the birds because
of the cholesterol associated with all that fat.

I tried to explain that your average chickadee probably would be
lucky to live 2-3 years under the best of circumstances so the
buildup of harmful plaques in their arteries just wouldn't have time
to happen.  She was unconvinced....

Best,
Norm

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Maryland Birds & Birding 
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of

> Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 4:30 PM
> To: 
> Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Appropriate Birding Etiquette?
> 
> This may be a valid point, but a bit overblown.  Any feeding, 
> either at home or elsewhere is supplementary to nature and is 
> primarily to serve the interests of we humans.  We are not 
> luring the birds to their destruction (unless a natural 
> predator that may not have had a previous opportunity strikes).
> I say spread the millet after looking about to see that no 
> one is watching.....
>  =
>