Birders World Magazine has posted an interesting article over on their Field Of View blog. They reference a study out of Northern Ireland that winter feeding of birds can result in one additional fledgling per clutch of eggs.
From the article...
“The extra food we put out for birds contains fat, protein, and
carbohydrates, which may make the female bird stronger and more able to
produce eggs," says Bearhop. "Foods like peanuts and bird seed also
include vitamins and minerals, which can also produce healthier eggs
and chicks, and we currently have a research project looking at the
role of energy versus vitamins in explaining these effects.”
