Some claim that feeding wild birds increases their dependency on handouts and chances of predation. However, a study of chickadees in Wisconsin indicated that chickadees, at least, do not become dependent on food provided in the winter time. At the same time, the study indicated that there was no significant benefit to the birds by feeding them in winter, except in rare cases of extremely severe weather. Birds seem to be extremely adaptable in finding food. They will obviously take advantage of a free handout, but if food is removed, they simply go elsewhere or revert to feeding on natural seeds and insects.
But what about feeding wild birds in summer? There has been little research on this topic and no hard evidence, but some claim that summer feeding, particularly late in the summer, will prevent birds from migrating. The reality is that the migration instinct is too strong for the birds to resist. Also, migrating birds use a tremendous amount of energy and they are certain to appreciate a full feeder at the end of a long day's - or night's - flight.