As I scrubbed on my hummingbird feeders to clean them up I began to think about my other feathered friends and the many bird feeders that hang in my backyard. Due to the number of sick birds that I saw in the spring I removed several feeders. I haven’t seen any sick birds in months, but….
Across the U.S. there was a splurge of people who put out bird feeders during the pandemic. People who were quarantined inside decided it was a good time to take up bird watching. Many people young and old discovered how beautiful birds that come to their yards really are! In fact, so many people were feeding birds that you could go to any store to buy bird seed and find that their bird seed shelves were just as empty as the toilet paper aisles!
Last winter due to a shortage in the pine seed crop in Canada there was a great number of birds that migrated south to find food. They flew a long distance and were tired and weak when they arrived. Especially during the snow in the spring, we all had record numbers of birds at our feeders. With the snow and the many days of spring rain, the food in our bird feeders became very damp which causes bacteria, mold and salmonella to develop.
Unfortunately, birds don’t mind using the bathroom where they eat and where they bathe. This quickly develops a hot spot for bacteria and will spread germs from bird to bird.
Across the country, states continue to report dead songbirds. Many articles that I have read say that no one knows exactly what is causing the strange death of these birds. But, the CDC has on their website that Salmonella in wild songbirds and in people have appeared across the U.S. They list 29 people have had reported illnesses and 14 hospitalizations, but no deaths in 12 states.
Many states have asked people to go ahead and remove their feeders for the summer to prevent continued bird deaths. Summer time is not a time that will place a hardship on the birds. We have enough bugs, flowers and plants that produce seed during this time for the birds to still have plenty to eat. And, our ground is not covered with snow, so they can dig up worms and bugs from the dirt. But, birdbaths and sources of water during the hot summer temps are still probably needed.
But, if you leave these out, you will need to regularly clean and keep fresh water in them. And, due to the salmonella germs easily transferred to humans the CDC says, “Wash your hands with soap and water after touching your bird feeder.” This is even if you decide to continue filling your feeders – ALWAYS wash your hands after handling them.
This infection can also be transferred to your pets. Always wash your hands prior to touching your pets or their food and water bowls if you have been touching your bird feeders or birdbaths. There are also many videos on social media showing people who are hand feeding wild birds with their bare hands. Cute – yes, it is, but it is also a way to get you or your pet sick, so WASH your hands, if you do!
When cleaning your bird feeders, always clean them outside and never in your kitchen sink. If you do or have done this, please wash out your sink with soap & water and fill your sink - washing all sides with diluted bleach and hot water for at least 10 minutes to kill the bacteria.
I know that I will miss my birds coming to my feeders, but for their sake, I know that it is best for their health. As I continue to “Look at the birds of the air…” Matthew 6:26, I have learned lots about birds and a whole lot about science. I’m glad that you are never too old to learn!
My photos may be viewed & “LIKED” on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest - “Birdie of Mississippi”.
E-mail: birdieofmississippi@gmail.com - Read my Blog @ http://www.birdieofmississippi.blogspot.com
