By Guest Blogger Michael Perkins
About the Author
We welcome guest blogger Michael Perkins, a member of Ventura Audubon, chapter journalist and photographer. If you've attended any recent VAS meetings, field trips, or events, you've probably noticed Michael capturing photos of our gatherings. Michael is a seasoned journalist, and we appreciate his expert contributions to the bird blog.
Thank you, Michael!
Should You Starve A Feeder?
One of the most unsettling aspects of the recent spread of various bird flu strains has been the anxiety for the millions of us who attract flocks of feathered friends to our yards with feeders. No one wants to be the cause of suffering for any creature, least of all to those that we’ve specifically invited into our hearts and homes. There is a lot of confusion when it comes to the contagion and transmission of any new disease, so it’s no wonder that back yard birders are nervous.
So here’s some straight information
USDA, along with its connected agency APHIS (Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service) has conducted multi-year surveys of contagion patterns across all bird species, and their studies have yielded some partial good news for back yard birders. It’s true that, with the currently dominant HN51 strain, the danger for shorebirds and waterfowl remains extremely high. However, the same level of risk does not strictly apply to songbirds, who, since they shed less of the virus, have a lower transmission rate, and thus have proven more resistant to bird flu overall. Saliva and feces are the main transmitters of the virus, and so, thorough maintenance of your feeders is your visitors’ best protection. That means adopting a more aggressive, and frequent cleaning regimen.
Many of these steps you already may practice
Discard old food and debris. Fill a container with water and a little dish soap and thoroughly scrub the feeders with brushes and rags, fully rinsing afterward. As a follow-up, fill a container with a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach and submerge and soak the feeder for a few minutes, rinsing and drying it before returning it to use. And, of course, for overall safety, you’re better off doing all this gloved.
When Should You Take Down Feeders?
As mentioned, songbirds are far less likely to contract the virus than shorebirds; however, if you maintain poultry on your property, it’s advisable that you DO take down ALL feeders, as they are far more susceptible to the virus, with some infected flocks experiencing a near 100% mortality rate. Most importantly, stay aware of which bird species have been most impacted by the disease, and plan accordingly for your area. For a little extra homework, visit Cornell University’s list of the detection rates for wild birds at visit Cornell University’s Avian Influenza Detection List.
Continue to Stay Informed
Most importantly, review and revise your knowledge frequently! Virology, like all of science, is a current, not a constant. Mutations and offshoots of present flu strains are in flux, and the day may yet dawn when all feeders, everywhere, have to come down. That is our charge and our challenge; ofttimes we act as a voice for our bird friends, and, going forward, we will have to be their eyes and ears as well. Stay vigilant.
Other Resources
National Wildlife Health Center: Report Mortality Events and Submit Specimens | U.S. Geological Survey
California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Avian Influenza
New York Times Wirecutter: How to Clean a Bird Feeder
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