Bird feeding at urban wetlands: A comparison of demographics, attitudes and norms between feeders and non-feeders.

ABSTRACT

The feeding of wild birds is a popular but often controversial activity. This study explored differences in demographics, attitudes, and normative beliefs between waterbird feeders and non-feeders at an urban wetland residential estate in Melbourne, Australia. An online survey of nearby residents and visitors (n = 206) identified those who have fed waterbirds at least once in the past two years (feeders; 32.4 %) and those who have not (non-feeders). No differences were observed in demographic profile or connection to nature between feeders and non-feeders, but feeders were significantly more likely to believe that waterbird feeding is an acceptable activity. When compared with non-feeders, feeders exhibited different injunctive and descriptive norms relating to waterbird feeding; feeders believed that most people would be relatively happy with them feeding waterbirds in their community, while non-feeders thought that most people would be moderately unhappy. Feeders believed that more than half of the people in their community fed waterbirds (55.5 %), while non-feeders believed that less than half fed birds (36.7 %). These findings suggest that education or behaviour change programs with bird feeding objectives could be enhanced with information about the actual and perceived social norms for this common activity.