The “cardinal” rule of bird feeding? Don’t feed when it might cause harm. That’s the recommendation from my friends at The Humane Society of the United States. While they and other experts believe it’s generally safe given proper precautions, some evidence points to negative impacts. Based on the research, a moderate approach is wise. Provide as many native plants as possible, ease up on feeding in warmer seasons when natural food is abundant, and supplement when sources are scarce or buried in snow. If you feed birds in a remote, cold region such as rural Maine—where there may be little natural food and few feeders for miles around—ask someone to fill your feeders if you leave town. This helps birds who may have become dependent on your supply, says HSUS senior scientist John Hadidian. Read more tips here.