Redditor Asks If They Are Wrong For "Stealing" All Of Their Neighbors' Birds
One Redditor turned her yard into a bird buffet, and now the neighbors are acting like she committed a crime. What started with a few feeders and some wildflowers quickly turned into a backyard full of blue jays, chickadees, sparrows, and plenty of peanut shells.
OP says the birds have practically moved in, but the people next door are not amused. They have been knocking on her door, calling her names, and complaining that she is stealing their birds, which makes this whole situation even more ridiculous.
Now the internet is weighing in on whether a backyard full of birds is a harmless win or a neighborhood problem. Read on.
OP asks:
They moved to a new neighborhood and set up a dozen bird feeders and some wildflowers
Here is the list:
Research has shown that engaging with nature can significantly enhance psychological well-being.
Quite a buffet:
OP loves the fact that so many birds chose her yard
However, their neighbors don't.
In this situation, the feelings of guilt or conflict regarding "stealing" the neighbors' birds may stem from a complex interplay of social norms and personal values. Social psychology research shows that the concept of ownership and territoriality can significantly affect interpersonal relationships. When individuals feel that their actions might infringe on others' rights or expectations, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and guilt, creating cognitive dissonance.
Understanding this dynamic is crucial for navigating such situations thoughtfully and empathetically, promoting healthier interactions with neighbors and communities.
OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
The funniest complaint
OP says:
The act of attracting birds to one’s yard can also be seen through the lens of community engagement in wildlife conservation. This sense of collective responsibility for local ecosystems can lead to increased collaboration and shared initiatives for environmental protection.
Encouraging neighbors to participate in similar activities can help alleviate feelings of guilt and foster a more inclusive community spirit, ultimately benefiting both the birds and the residents.
This is similar to the Facebook fight where a woman refused to get rid of her pets and got called a selfish a**hole.
"It's still not a case of OP stealing the birds."
Blue jays, chickadees, and sparrows
Stray peanut shells...
From a behavioral perspective, reinforcing positive actions through community feedback can enhance well-being and reduce guilt.
This Redditor shared their experiences:
It is nice to have options:
Some birds are picky eaters
Seeds birds like disappear within a day...
There is nothing better than:
Maybe OP should put a sign asking the birds to split their time evenly between gardens?
This Redditor says:
Birds go where the goodies are...
Bird feeders can be disease vectors.
Neighbors can complain about the weirdest things, from the smallest infractions to the most outrageous behavior. From barking dogs to loud music, from people leaving garbage in the street to bright lights shining in windows, neighbors can be quick to take offense and report what they view as a disturbance.
Sometimes, the complaints can be so unusual that they seem laughable. For instance, a neighbor might complain about a family having a barbecue in their backyard, or a resident might complain about someone mowing their lawn at an inappropriate time of day.
Other strange complaints might include things like a neighbor's garden being too wild or someone's children playing in the street. In some cases, neighbors might even complain about the color of a person's paint job on their house.
But this complaint tops them all...
The Redditor's choice to set up bird feeders in her yard illustrates how such wildlife-friendly activities can foster a sense of community and enhance personal well-being. This initiative could spark conversations about shared interests in local wildlife and environmental stewardship. While the initial question of "stealing" the birds may arise, it ultimately highlights an opportunity for dialogue among neighbors, encouraging a collective commitment to enjoying and preserving the natural beauty around them.
Wait, the neighbor got mad about “feeding the squirrels” after dumping fried chicken remains, read the full AITA.
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