Yishun Resident Takes Action Against Bird Feeding
A resident in Yishun is fed up with a woman who has been regularly feeding birds in their neighbourhood. In a bid to catch her in the act, he has set up a CCTV camera outside his flat.
Feeding Birds: A Growing Concern
The man, identified as Chen, told Shin Min Daily News that the woman, who seems to be in her 60s, has been tossing bread slices onto the grass patch near Block 148 Yishun Street 44 for over a year. Initially, her feeding was occasional, but it has escalated to almost daily sessions at 5 am for the past month. Chen, 49, has noticed more than 50 birds flocking to the area.
Despite a warning sign from the Nee Soon Town Council advising against feeding birds, the woman continues her routine. Under the Wildlife Act, feeding birds and wildlife can lead to hefty fines of up to S$10,000. Chen plans to report her to the authorities.
Impact on the Community
To gather evidence, Chen purchased a camera for about $40 and placed it at his front door. He expressed his frustration, saying, “Apart from crows and pigeons, various other bird species make noise daily, greatly disturbing our sleep.” He also raised hygiene concerns, noting that the leftover bread poses challenges for cleaners who must tidy up the mess.
Another resident, Wu, echoed Chen’s sentiments, mentioning that the birds create loud noises in the evenings. Some residents have even been seen tossing food scraps and fruit pits from their flats. A manager at a nearby coffee shop observed the woman feeding birds and cats outside the establishment. Due to hygiene risks to the food stalls, she was asked to leave.
Town Council’s Response
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson from the Nee Soon Town Council highlighted that littering causes inconvenience for residents. They noted that food waste attracts pests like cockroaches and rodents. “To promote good neighborly relations, we regularly conduct public education campaigns to advise residents against littering and feeding pigeons,” the spokesperson added. They also mentioned that they work with the National Parks Board (NParks) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) to address feedback about bird feeding and littering, taking enforcement actions when necessary.
Efforts to Control Pigeon Population
As of November 20, 2023, NParks has received 7,016 reports related to pigeons and has taken 170 enforcement actions against illegal bird feeding this year. In 2022, there were 7,039 complaints, with 233 enforcement actions taken. Recently, NParks, NEA, and the Singapore Food Agency announced plans to intensify efforts to control the rock pigeon population in Ang Mo Kio, Bishan-Toa Payoh, and Tanjong Pagar from June to December. These efforts include reducing food sources and managing the invasive species.
The agencies stress the importance of community support in controlling the pigeon population, urging the public not to feed the birds and to dispose of food waste properly.
Community Education on Wildlife Conservation
This situation highlights the need for community education on wildlife conservation and responsible behaviour. Residents can come together to understand the impact of feeding birds, promote cleanliness, and support efforts to manage the pigeon population in their area.
To effectively communicate the negative impact of feeding birds, specific examples can be shared, such as how it disrupts local ecosystems and attracts pests. Outlining the consequences of neglecting cleanliness and wildlife control can help residents grasp the importance of these actions.
Practical suggestions for residents could include organising clean-up events or supporting local wildlife conservation initiatives.
How can we effectively raise awareness about responsible behaviour towards wildlife and the environment? What examples can we use to illustrate the impact of feeding birds?
For more information on wildlife conservation efforts in Singapore, visit NParks and NEA.