A keen bird enthusiast and photographer is urging the South West community not to feed native birds bread.
Australind resident Chris Tate said debate had been raging recently on Facebook between bird enthusiasts as to whether feeding wild birds was harmful or not.
“After some research, I came to the conclusion that it’s not so much whether feeding them is harmful but what we are feeding them,” he said.
“Many people love birds in their gardens and feed them as they feel they are aiding in their survival.
“I have met so many like-minded people, those with great affection for wildlife - particularly birds.
“They are colourful, have beautiful calls, pollinate our flowers and bring people closer to nature but the very people who love birds are causing them so much harm.”
Mr Tate said giving birds bread was the same as force-feeding junk food to children and instead encouraged community members to provide water and flowering plants.
