Oyster Bay Notebook: Don't Feed The Fowl

The Town of Oyster Bay raised an interesting environmental concern recently when it urged residents not to feed migratory waterfowl what amounts to junk food for birds.

In a press release, Councilman Chris J. Coschignano stated that feeding the birds is banned on town property. Fines range from $100-$500.

“Large colonies of waterfowl have become an issue at many of our parks and beaches,” Coschignano said. “Elimination of feeding is a significant step toward control and prevention of nuisance waterfowl. It is also more humane not to feed them.”

Feeding the fowl can lead to disease and death, he said. It can also disturb natural migratory patterns and cause the birds to linger in places they're not wanted.

“Many people think they are helping migratory waterfowl, including ducks, geese, seagulls and swans, by feeding them, but the truth is they are not,” Coschignano said. “Food handouts often result in large numbers of birds competing for very limited food supplies in small, concentrated areas."

Coschignano said the leftovers people feed to birds, such as bread, crackers, chips, donuts and popcorn, is "a great source of carbohydrates (but) offer little nutritional value and can lead to obesity and malnutrition. They amount to junk food for the fowl."

Free brochure available answers tax questions

Oyster Bay residents can pick up a free brochure that offers an overview of town's Receiver of Taxes office and also answers  frequently asked questions about paying taxes.

Receiver James J. Stefanich said. “It is a handy reference tool for every taxpayer in the Town.”  

Resident or organizations interested in getting one can pick it up at the Town Halls North (Oyster Bay) and South (Massapequa), the Department of Public Works (Syosset) and at major park facilities, or call or write to the Town of Oyster Bay Public Information Office, Town Hall East, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY 11771 (624-6380). A copy can also be downloaded from the Town’s Web site, www.oysterbaytown.com. 

Public hearing set for revised fire contract    

The Town Board will hold a public hearing about a proposed extension of a contract with East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 for fire protection.

Town Councilwoman Beth Faughnan said the fire company originally asked for and was granted a one-year contract to provide fire protection services. The company now wants a three-year contract at a cost of $270,623 for 2011 and annual increases of up to 2.5 percent for 2012 and 2013.

The hearing will be held on March 8 in the Hearing Room of Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The board will also hold a public hearing that morning on the award of a contract for the disposal of solid waste.