Remove Bird Feeders
Seven Mountains Audubon Society recommends that people in the local area remove bird feeders as a precaution to help stop the spread of a mysterious illness affecting birds. This is consistent with recommendations from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, National Wildlife Health Center and other regional Audubon chapters.
- Take down bird feeders until more is known about the cause and spread of the disease
- Clean bird feeders and bird baths with a 10% bleach solution
- Avoid handling sick birds, but if necessary, wear disposable gloves
- Keep pets away from birds (good advice under any circumstances)
As of now, possible reports of this emerging disease include nearly every county in Pennsylvania. Neither the causal agent or method of transmission is currently known. However, some infectious diseases among birds can spread through contact with bird feeders and bird baths. Birds will be able to find enough food and do not rely on feeders to survive. Especially this time of year, there is ample food available from natural sources. Removing feeders will not cause harm to birds and may help to control the spread of the disease.
Birds most commonly affected are thought to include grackles, bluejays, robins, and starlings however, there are reports of other songbird species being affected as well.
Known symptoms include eye swelling, closed, weeping, or crusted eyes, lethargy, eye lesions and neurological signs.
At this time, hummingbirds do not seem to be affected so the removal recommendation does not include hummingbird feeders.
We understand removing feeders may be difficult for some and encourage other bird observation activities. These could include some of the following:
- Bird walks and observing birds in native habitats
- Observing birds in gardens and parks
- Improving habitat of properties by adding native plants
- Virtual feeder live streams, for example (Cornell Lab FeederWatch Cam)
Please refer the following articles for more information:
UPDATED Interagency Statement: USGS and Partners Continue Investigating DC Area Bird Mortality Event
Update: Mystery bird disease investigation draws reports from nearly every Pa. county
Bird Mortality Reporting Form (University of Pennsylvania Penn Vet)