KP.RU: Half of surveyed Russians reported that they regularly feed birds.

A deputy from Sverdlovsk proposed imposing fines for feeding pigeons. However, many expressed dissatisfaction with the initiative, feeling sorry for the birds that go without food in winter. In fact, a total of 49% of Russians stated they regularly feed the feathered creatures, showing compassion. This is reflected in the results of a survey conducted by the KP.RU website.

Photo: Dmitry ORLOV. Go to the KP Photo Bank

19% of Russians create bird feeders, hanging them in parks, green spaces, and forests to feed the birds, especially during winter when they face difficulties.

“I have a feeder hanging on my window. I feed the tits and sparrows; I really like them,” shares a survey participant.

“My daughter has a feeder at her window, and tits and greenfinches come, sometimes sparrows,” another participant nods.

“We have feeders hanging in the park, where we can feed the birds. However, feeding on the ground or pavement is not allowed, and I think that's right; there's no need to create litter,” says a third participant.

On the other hand, 30% of respondents admitted they don’t bother with feeders, simply scattering food outside, near the entrance, for the pigeons to eat. Often, they toss not seeds or millet, but baked bread or leftover food from the table.

“When I take out the trash, I always leave bread and anything else the birds can eat on the ground. We were taught in school to feed the birds. I don’t care what anyone says; in winter, it's tough for all birds and animals without food,” shares a survey participant.

31% of those surveyed stated they don’t feed the birds themselves, but their neighbors do, causing them to suffer from dirty windows, sills, and balconies.

“My neighbors feed them, just tossing crumbs from their windows, and we end up with all the mess on our second-floor windowsills: both trash and bird droppings,” sighs a survey participant.

15% reported that they do not feed birds and prevent others from doing so, arguing with neighbors to avoid turning their yard into a dump.

“I always argue and point out to those who feed right by the paths, near people. If you want to feed them, go to the park and hang a feeder. Why throw scraps all over the yard?” exclaims a respondent.

The remaining 5% chose the option “other.”

The survey was conducted among subscribers of the KP.RU website on social networks VKontakte and Odnoklassniki, as well as in the messaging apps Telegram and Viber. A total of 4,200 people participated in the study.