Feeding wild birds is a common pastime for many people across Australia. It provides enjoyment and a chance to connect with nature. However, there are laws and regulations surrounding this practice, particularly in Western Australia. This article examines the legality and regulations around feeding wild birds in Western Australia.
Feeding birds can seem like a harmless activity. However, it raises several issues:
- It can lead to an unnatural concentration of birds in one area
- It can spread disease between birds
- It can lead to dependance on human food sources
- It can attract invasive species
For these reasons, feeding wild birds is regulated in some situations across Australia. So what are the specific laws in Western Australia?
Is it legal to feed wild birds in Western Australia?
Yes, in most cases it is legal to feed wild birds in Western Australia. There are no statewide laws prohibiting the feeding of wild birds. However, there are some exceptions and regulations to be aware of.
Exceptions
In some specific circumstances, it is illegal to feed wild birds in Western Australia:
- In national parks – Feeding wildlife is prohibited in all WA national parks. This includes popular spots like Kings Park and Bold Park in the Perth area.
- On private property – If a landowner has expressly prohibited the feeding of birds on their property, you must comply.
- At airports – Bird feeding is not allowed at airports or airfields anywhere in Australia due to bird strike risk to aircraft.
So unless you are in one of these restricted areas, feeding birds is allowed in WA.
Regulations
When feeding wild birds, you still need to comply with certain rules and regulations in WA:
- Only use proper bird feeders, not food scraps on the ground.
- Position feeders away from busy roads to avoid collisions.
- Avoid feeding pigeons, seagulls, and crows as they can become pests.
- Don’t use bread as bird feed – try seeds, grains, nuts or bird nectar instead.
- Limit the amount of feeding to avoid dependance.
- Keep feeders clean to avoid disease transmission.
So while generally legal across Western Australia, feeding birds still needs to be done responsibly.
Local council regulations
In addition to state laws, some local city or town councils have extra rules about feeding wild birds. This includes:
Council | Bird Feeding Regulations |
---|---|
City of Perth | Feeding birds is discouraged in city parks and gardens |
City of Stirling | No feeding of pigeons or seagulls |
City of Joondalup | Feeding allowed but feeders must be kept clean |
City of Mandurah | No specific bird feeding laws |
These council rules are in addition to general state laws. Make sure to check local regulations for the area where you plan to feed birds.
Why are there restrictions on feeding wild birds?
Although feeding birds seems harmless on the surface, there are several potential issues that arise. Restrictions on feeding wild birds aim to address these problems:
Over-concentration of birds
Regular feeding leads to large groups of birds congregating in small areas. This causes several problems including:
- Damage to plants, soil, and water from bird droppings
- Noise disturbances for local residents
- Health hazards from accumulated bird droppings
Limiting feeding prevents mass congregations of birds in residential and recreational areas.
Dependency on artificial food
When birds become accustomed to human food sources they can lose their natural ability to forage and feed themselves. This dependency on artificial feeding creates risks for bird health and survival if feeding is interrupted.
Spread of disease
Feeders that aren’t regularly cleaned allow diseases to jump between birds sharing the same food source. Restrictions aim to improve hygiene standards around bird feeding to limit disease transmission.
Attraction of invasive species
Abundant food sources from feeding can attract introduced bird species that may aggressively exclude native species. This disrupts local ecosystems. Limiting food availability can help control invasive species.
While these issues don’t arise from all bird feeding, regulations aim to promote responsible feeding practices that minimize negative impacts.
What food can I use when feeding wild birds?
When feeding birds legally and responsibly in Western Australia, it’s important to use appropriate foods. Here are some guidelines:
Recommended
- Seeds/grains – Various seeds or grain mixes specially formulated for wild birds. Look for blends with millet, oats, sunflower seeds etc.
- Mealworms – High in protein, ideal for many insect-eating species like robins.
- Fruit – Slices of apples, berries or grapes for some fruit-eating birds.
- Nectar – Sugar/water mixes or artificial nectars designed for nectar-feeders like lorikeets.
- Suet – High energy suet cakes or treats for insect-eaters.
Avoid
- Bread – Offers little nutritional value and can harm birds if moldy.
- Processed human food – Salty or sugary snacks can be unhealthy for birds.
- Large food scraps – Can choke birds if too large or cause feeding fights.
The best bird foods provide maximum nutritional benefits while minimizing risks to birds.
Tips for safe and responsible bird feeding
If you want to feed wild birds legally in Western Australia, here are some top tips for doing it properly:
- Use specialized bird feeders rather than throwing food scraps.
- Clean feeders weekly with diluted bleach to prevent disease spread.
- Place feeders in quiet spots away from roads and predators.
- Avoid feeding birds on the ground, which can spread disease.
- Don’t overfeed – provide only enough for daily consumption.
- Supply clean water for drinking and bathing.
- Follow all state, council and property laws and regulations.
With some common sense precautions, you can enjoy feeding wild birds safely and legally across most of Western Australia.
Conclusion
Feeding wild birds can certainly be an enjoyable hobby but needs to be done responsibly and legally. In Western Australia, you generally can feed wild birds as long as you follow certain rules and avoid restricted areas like national parks and airports. Use proper bird feeders and food to avoid issues. Follow any local council regulations that might be in place too. Be sensible with the amount of feeding and where it is done. With some simple precautions, bird feeding can provide great enjoyment and connection with nature.