Exploring Bird Feeding as an Enhancement Method of Bird Biodiversity on Dalhousie University Studley Campus; One Seed at The Time

Abstract

Globally, anthropogenic land alteration and exploitation have introduced significant stressors to avian populations, leading to substantial declines. Such stressors include high mortality rate and significant decrease in food availability and biomass. Birds provide essential ecosystem services by enhancing biodiversity, acting as natural seed dispersers and pollinators, and contributing to mental well-being by fostering a connection to nature. University students, in particular, benefit from bird diversity through stress reduction and increased productivity. However, efforts to enhance bird biodiversity, such as bird feeder implementation, are lacking on university campuses in urban areas. In this study, optimal bird feeder locations were assessed for the Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), and Evening grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus), which were identified as suitable species for attraction to Dalhousie University’s Studley Campus. We collected tree data and completed a literature review to determine feeder needs and location requirements for each bird species, with an associated maintenance plan and cost analysis. The Baltimore oriole was found to have the most suitable areas for bird feeders, while the Evening grosbeak had the least. Similarly, the Baltimore oriole had the least expensive feeder and food requirements, whereas the Evening grosbeak had the costliest. When summarizing maintenance and costs, volunteer labor was identified as the most affordable and feasible option, with an average contribution of three hours per week through the year. The Baltimore oriole and Pileated woodpecker had similar suitable areas for bird feeders, highlighting feeder location preferences in mixed forest with large trees (DBH>65cm), which were areas found behind the Killiam library and Student Union building. Local habitat features such as these have been found to play a significant role in attracting avian species to urban areas. Several considerations should be made, including proximity to natural and urban features for invasive species management, and proper feeder maintenance including regular cleaning to avoid the spread of potential avian diseases. To maximize conservation benefits and biodiversity enhancement, universities should implement strategic habitat suitability-based feeder placement, regular maintenance plans, and volunteer-based monitoring programs to enhance bird biodiversity Dalhousie University Studley Campus. Key Words: Habitat Suitability; Urban Biodiversity; Bird Feeder; Pileated Woodpecker; Baltimore Oriole; Evening Grosbeak; Disease Transmission