The birds that frequent Île Saint-Bernard or the Fernand-Séguin Ecological Centre in Châteauguay will now have to find their own food. Starting on 6 July, hand-feeding birds will be prohibited at both sites for safety reasons and to preserve ecosystem balance.
Translation Amanda Bennett
To date, feeding small birds was permitted on the trails at the ecological centre and at the Marguerite-D’Youville Wildlife Refuge. Feeders had also been installed. Visitors could buy seed on site or bring their own, provided it was suitable for the birds.
In recent years, Héritage has identified issues related to bird feeding, against a backdrop of ever-increasing visitor numbers at both sites. “Numerous breaches have been observed in the field: the distribution of unsuitable food (bread, vegetables, cakes, salted nuts, etc.), feeding mammals such as deer and raccoons, as well as large amounts of food scattered along the paths,” the organisation reported on its website.
Héritage Saint-Bernard has also noted an increase in aggressive behaviour among wildlife. ‘Acclimation to human presence and a regular supply of food alters wildlife’s natural behaviour and creates real safety risks for visitors,’ the organisation explains.
That’s why the organisation has decided to ban feeding. The phasing out of this activity is taking place in several stages. Sunflower seeds have not been on sale at the Pavillon de l’île or the Fernand-Séguin Ecology Centre since 6 June. Teams at Héritage Saint-Bernard are gradually reducing the amount of food in the feeders, which will be removed in October. The ban on feeding will officially take effect on July 6.
Heritage Saint-Bernard recognizes that this was a very popular activity amongst visitors. This new approach will allow the birds to reclaim their natural instincts, and visitors will be encouraged to be more observant when watching birds: look up, slow your pace, and scan the treetops.
