We have sick birds in east Tennessee. I have seen them and others are reporting them as well. It seemed to happen all at once. And because I've seen more than one sick bird, I've taken down the feeders both to disinfect them and to encourage flock feeding birds, mainly finches, to disperse and hopefully reduce the spread of disease.The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency posted an alert that included deaths of pine siskins, goldfinches and purple finches with the cause attributed to salmonella. The outbreak of salmonella has not been attributed to peanut butter products and, thus far, is only known to be affecting finches.
I have seen one pine siskin death and two diseased pine siskins that fit the symptoms for salmonella which include severe lethargy, dull, fluffed up appearance and tremors. And I've observed one purple finch with very different symptoms, the inability to grasp a perch or stay upright while attempting to feed on the ground. I have not seen any conjunctivitis.
In her feature bird column in the Knoxville News Sentinel, Marsha Davis reports on the local disease outbreak and gives a good list of ways to stem the spread of disease at backyard feeders. Also, Cornell has an informative page about maintaining feeders and handling disease outbreak.
I encourage everyone who feeds birds to become well informed in advance about disease prevention, what to do if you see sick birds at your feeders and how to report disease in your area. This is an irruptive year for finches and spring migration is beginning. Disease outbreak can happen anywhere.
Wow! that is terrible! I hope the spread of the disease can be stopped very soon.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about putting up bird feeders in my backyard. I didn't realize maintanence and cleaning was occassionally required. I thought you just refilled with food when empty. This is very enlightening.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your sick birds in Tennessee. Thanks for the information about disease prevention. Time to clean the bird feeders...
ReplyDeleteGeeze that's really sad. Could there be any other hazards to the birds in your area? Down here in the Sonoran we are fighting pretty hard to put a halt to the new proposed open pit copper mine on park land. While reading up on the subject I learned that not only are the tailings toxic, but once the PH balance of the water is altered it is also very toxic to thirsty birds. The area of the mine proposal is a rich habitat for many species including Jaguars. I pray your birds get well soon!
ReplyDeleteFor the past week my feeders have been taken over by the Common Grackle. Is there a connection?
ReplyDeleteHi Vickie, Diane C told me about your post on sick finches. I have had TONS (I mean TONS) of Pine Siskins. I haven't personally seen any sick ones--but did find one dead one once. I 'thought' it hit one of our windows...?????
ReplyDeleteIf you'd like to read my blog today, I wrote about my siskins--and talked about ways to get rid of them.
I enjoyed your post. Thanks so much!
Hugs,
Betsy
Vickie, I saw my first sick goldfinch this morning. I took down all feeders and disinfected them with one part bleach to 9 parts water. I put them back up again, but am keeping my eye out for more sick birds. If I see anymore I will be taking them down which will break my heart because this is when food is at its most scarce for the birds.
ReplyDeleteI went to go find the bird so I could grab it and bring it to Tufts but it is gone. Very heartbreaking and my first experience with this so I am very down because of it. I guess I will have to report it and keep my eyes open.
So sad about the disease breakout among our birdy friends! thank you for posting this info!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vickie, for the links. I too have had some sick gold finches and siskins. I'm cleaning my feeders and praying that this outbreak will be over soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great info. As a new birder I'm just thrilled every day there's a new species to observe so the idea of disease moving in! !!! (My newest obsession are pine siskins with their sunny personalities and voices. A pair have virtually hijacked my finch feeder, spending hours there every day.)
ReplyDeleteWhat important information this is! Thanks for spreading the word to save the birds!
ReplyDeleteIt's very sad. The house finch conjunctivitis has made on the lookout. Keeping the feeders clean is hard during the coldest, wettest weather but now that it's warming up, I'll take the feeders down for a day to disinfect again. The birds won't be feeding or visiting as much until next fall. Thanks for the update.
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