I used to always put out bird feed in the winter and only within the past years have been convinced this may not be the best thing to do. The argument is that the seed spill from the feeder attracts rodents and well, I guess I'm not inclined to encourage mice or rats around my house. The other theory is that those rodents attract the coyotes which are known to inhabit nearby areas and which are a concern to the local dogs during their trips outside.

I've come to the conclusion not to mess with Mother Nature, other than to be happy that the berries and crab apples on my trees often are gobbled up by birds and assorted critters. (I know there is something noturnal eating those crab apples because my dogs go nuts during the night when they smell whatever it is outside the bedroom window.)