HOA's and Backyard Birdfeeding:
Saying "NO" to Birdfeeding Bans
(songbird notes index)   (home)

Page 1: "Not In Our Backyards!" ~~~ Next Page
You may think that what you do in your own backyard is a matter of free choice. But you might be surprised. Home Owners’ Associations (HOA’s) have the power to implement and enforce covenants which regulate what neighborhood residents can and can’t do-- even on their own property. And one practice that is coming under attack in more and more neighborhoods is backyard birdfeeding. Some HOA’s are limiting the type and number of birdfeeders and birdhouses allowed in the backyard, while other HOA’s have banned outright all forms of birdfeeding in their neighborhoods. Whether or not there are any currently existing limitations regarding birdfeeding in your neighborhood, here are some facts which might help you protect your right to feed the birds, and help you take action against proposed birdfeeding bans.

First, it helps to understand why some HOA’s are against backyard birdfeeding. A commonly-heard argument against birdfeeding is that the feed you’re offering to attract songbirds, also attracts animals and birds considered by some as “pests.” The animals most often under objection are squirrels and pigeons, and in some cases other large, aggressive bird species such as crows and grackles. However, it is possible to attract and feed songbirds while discouraging squirrels, pigeons, and other unwanted large birds.

The type and placement of feeders that you select, and what you feed in them, are all-important in determining who will have easy access to the food, and who will be shut out. If you’re just starting out feeding, setting up your feeders accordingly can keep so-called “pest” animals from ever becoming a problem. If you already have a problem controlling squirrels, pigeons, or other unwanted birds in your yard, you may have some changes to make, and you may have to allow some time to see results. Remember though: animals have a survival instinct which leads them to seek out the best food sources. If unwanted visitors consistently find little-to-no access to a food supply in your yard, their presence will diminish.
article content copyright 2005, Wild Bird Landing, LLC