Hi Natalia,
The problem that you have experienced is a common saga throughout Australia
where people feed birds. Not only is the neighbour's budgie at risk (I am
not really worried about it as it can be easily replaced) but by attracting
predatory birds such as Butcherbirds, Kookaburras, Magpies, Currawongs etc.
to backyards people are making it less liveable for small birds which either
get eaten or chased away. Of course some backyards are only suitable for
large birds and the lack of habitat can explain some of the absences but
feeding birds is a real conservation problem. I understand your attachment
to the strong and bold predators but they should be allowed to live their
lives in a way which is more harmonious with other species.
The problem with feeding is that it changes the behaviour of the predators.
Instead of searching through a large territory for food they stay within a
limited area. This might make you happy because you can see them all of the
time but any small bird that ventures in is 'dead meat'.
Magpies and Butcherbirds have also been responsible for damaging the eyes of
young Ospreys attempting their first flight because people near the nest
have regularly fed the Magpies and Butcherbirds and they stay around all of
the time and persistently attack the Ospreys.
Predators are not only important but are essential to the wellbeing of
ecosystems but they must interact with other species in a natural way.
Feeding disrupts this natural behaviour.
A compromise (and I know some don't agree on this point) is to provide
water. Predatory birds don't seem to habituate to a bird bath or water dish
as much as to a feed tray or provided food. You should get a whole host
of native species which are just as important as the Butcherbirds and
Kookaburras.
It would be good if you completely stopped feeding the butcherbirds and let
them behave in a more natural way. You may not see them as often but you
just might see more small birds and your neighbour's Budgie (and your
neighbour) might be a little less stressed..
Greg Clancy
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