Stunned by reports of intimidation

I WAS stunned to read of the intimidation being directed at the Hamiltons, simply because they have been ensuring that garden birds, particularly fledglings and juveniles, have enough to eat at this time of year.

I WAS stunned to read of the intimidation being directed at the Hamiltons, simply because they have been ensuring that garden birds, particularly fledglings and juveniles, have enough to eat at this time of year. As the HDC rightly notes, ‘There is no law that restricts the feeding of birds...’ He then goes on to mention potential ‘conditions that are deemed to be prejudicial to health,,,’ I find this comment rather curious and certainly sensational when linked to the act of feeding wild birds. Like it or not, there are birds everywhere, and with their declining numbers, due to loss of habitat, hedgerows and use of pesticides, we ought to do all we can to help increase their numbers. As far as I’m aware no-one is especially feeding the birds in my road, but they are prolific nontheless. What’s more my car is frequently covered in bird droppings. I don’t let it bother me. I just go out and clean it when necessary!

Like many people, I love having wildlife around, it enriches my daily life and I don’t believe that I have the right to label certain creatures as ‘vermin’, and to dominate and subjugate those that ‘interfere’ with my daily activities. We are lucky to share this planet with a myriad of wonderful creatures. Maybe those involved in the ‘intimidation’ of the Hamiltons should learn to relax a little, stop picking on those smaller than themselves, and enjoy nature’s bounties?

AMANDA GEORGE

Swallow Court

St Neots