Dead bird in your backyard? Reports of dead birds in Washington can be made to the Dead Bird Reports line, 1-800-606-8768.

Photo by Betsy Schultz

Feed birds with care and cleanliness

Fall’s shorter days and colder nights bring migrating birds through Washington’s neighborhoods and bird feeders back in operation for many Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary managers.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) veterinarian Kristin Mansfield has received calls from bird feeding enthusiasts wondering if it’s “safe” to start feeding again since a disease outbreak earlier this year prompted a WDFW recommendation to temporarily discontinue feeding.

“It’s been several weeks since we’ve received any reports consistent with salmonellosis, so from a disease-prevention standpoint it’s probably safe to start feeding birds again,” Mansfield said, “as long as you clean and disinfect feeders on a regular basis.”

On the other hand, bird feeding enthusiasts who live in black bear habitat should hold off on feeding until November, when most bears den up for the winter. Black bears raid bird feeders in some areas, and chronic problem situations too often result in bears being euthanized. (See article "Avoid drawing bears with bird feeders")

The fact that so many people were diligent about following the recommendation to stop feeding this summer to protect birds from disease was “truly heartening,” Mansfield said.

By June about four dozen reports of dead birds had been received involving pine siskins, goldfinches and purple finches in both eastern and western Washington. Carcasses of purple finches and pine siskins were sent to a Washington State University laboratory for testing that confirmed salmonellosis, a common and usually fatal bird disease caused by the salmonella bacteria.

Salmonellosis is probably the most common avian disease at feeders in Washington. The disease afflicts species such as finches, grosbeaks and pine siskins that flock together in large numbers at feeders and transmit the disease through droppings.

The first indication of the disease is often a seemingly tame bird on or near a feeder. The birds become very lethargic, fluff out their feathers, and are easy to approach, but there is very little people can do to treat them.

It’s possible, although uncommon, for people to become sick from the salmonella bacteria through direct contact with infected birds, bird droppings, or through pet cats that catch sick birds. People who handle birds, bird feeders or bird baths should wear gloves and wash their hands thoroughly afterwards.

Other bird diseases that may be observed at backyard feeding stations include:

• Avian Pox -- a viral disease that causes wartlike growths on birds’ faces, legs, wings and feet. The virus is spread by direct contact with infected birds, ingestion of food and water contaminated by sick birds, or contact with contaminated surfaces such as at feeders, birdbaths, and perches. Insects, especially mosquitoes, also carry the disease from one bird to another.

• Aspergillosis -- a disease caused by a fungal mold that grows on damp feed or soil in or around the feeder. Birds inhale the fungal spores and the disease spreads throughout their lungs and air sacs, causing bronchitis and pneumonia.

• Trichomaniasis -- a disease caused by small parasites that can affect a wide variety of animals, including humans. The mourning dove and band-tailed pigeon seem to be particularly susceptible. The disease causes sores in their mouths and throats, and results in death from starvation or dehydration.

If evidence of any of these diseases is seen, immediately remove feeders and/or clean them with a bactericide, like a ten percent chlorine or bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts warm water). Soak feeders and all parts for at least 10 minutes. Scrub, thoroughly rinse, and dry completely before re-using. Repeat every couple of weeks or more often if you notice sick birds. Avoid using wood feeders because they’re difficult to keep clean. Make sure feeders allow rainwater to drain easily.

One of the better ways to address the potential disease problem during the wet months of the year is to switch to using only tube feeders rather than platform feeders. Feeders that have more flat surfaces collect more droppings, fungus, and other dirt that may spread disease.

Other ways to minimize chances of a disease outbreak at feeders include:

• Give birds space - Spread more feeders over a greater space. Crowding is a key factor in spreading disease because birds have more direct contact, jostle each other, and are stressed and thus more vulnerable. Use smaller feeders that allow only a couple of birds to feed at a time.

• Clean up wastes - Regularly rake the area underneath feeders to remove droppings and old, moldy seed. Mount feeders over a surface that can be swept easily. Move feeders around periodically to keep droppings from collecting.

• Use good feed - If any feed smells or looks musty or moldy, don’t use it. Disinfect storage containers and scoops used with spoiled feed before replacing with fresh, clean, dry feed.

• Avoid seed mixes - Most birds will scatter mixes, especially those with mostly milo or millet, for more preferred seed and the waste on the ground can become wet and moldy.

“Remember that wild birds are not dependent on backyard feeding stations,” Mansfield said. “Birds use natural food sources year-round in addition to feeders, so you don’t have to worry about always keeping feeders filled. For the most part, supplemental feeding isn’t critical to bird survival. It’s mostly recreational, allowing us close-up views and greater appreciation of birds.”