Warning: my neighbor just told me to stop feeding the birds because they're 'messy'

I was filling my tube feeder with black oil sunflower seeds yesterday when my neighbor, Mr. Henderson, came over. He pointed at the hulls on my patio and said, 'You know, you're just attracting rats and making a mess for everyone.' This happened right in my own backyard in Springfield. I've been feeding the same finch and chickadee flock for about 8 months now. I tried to explain that I clean the area every other day and use a seed catcher, but he just shook his head. Has anyone else had to deal with a neighbor who doesn't get why we do this?

3 comments

3 Comments

king.jordan1mo ago

Your "mess for everyone" comment really shows he doesn't see the joy those birds bring.

the_jake1mo ago

Guess I'll just stand here with bird poop on my car and think about the joy. It's a real deep, spiritual moment, I tell you. The mess is just part of the charm, like finding a hair in your soup. I'm sure the birds are having a great time, which is what really matters for my windshield. Maybe we can all get together and appreciate the art they leave behind.

the_sarah1mo ago

Oh man, I feel this so hard! I'm pretty sure my neighbors think I'm running a bird mafia out of my backyard with how territorial I get about my feeders. But honestly, half the time the birds don't even show up when I want them to, and I'm left standing there with a full feeder feeling like a rejected bird dad. Mr. Henderson probably doesn't realize that my birdwatching hobby is really just an excuse to drink coffee outside and pretend I'm being productive. Plus, I've got a seed catcher that's probably cleaner than his grill cover, so maybe he should worry about his own mess first. Have you tried inviting him over for a coffee and bird show? That usually works for me, though I've also been told my "bird enthusiasm" is a little intense.