Red-shouldered Woodpecker Fledgling – Photo: L. Weikel
Something’s Wrong
Well, there’s a title that gives you absolutely no clue as to what I might be writing about tonight, eh? No, I’m not going to go all political on you, although I’m sure most of you can guess how I feel about the current state of voting rights in our country; or the prospect of Pennsylvania hosting the next absurd fraudit a la Arizona. No, the title of my post tonight is heralding my concern that something’s wrong with our birds. Something’s killing and maiming our feathered family members.
I first heard about this mysterious disease that’s killing (or blinding or attacking the neurological system of) several species of birds from Washington D.C. to Pennsylvania back around June 22nd. At the time, and even a week later when I mentioned it in a post and linked to this article, I fervently hoped the disease wouldn’t show up in Pennsylvania.
Alas, it’s here.
But Not In My Backyard
When I say “it’s here,” I mean it’s here in Bucks County. Sadly, I believe as of yesterday the last count of the affliction reflected that it’s been discovered in 61 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. That’s not good.
I’m relieved to add that I’ve not seen any evidence of the mysterious malady in the birds here on our property. I’ve been watching my feeders and birds like a hawk (not unlike the Red-shouldered Hawk that’s been mighty talkative and hungry lately), looking for signs of it. But it worries me that all twelve species that have been known to contract the malady are part of our family. All of them have been seen at one time or another at or near our property.
I’ll admit it: I’ve felt conflicted. Everybody showing up at our feeders consistently appear in fine fettle (which gives me hope). And with the Brood X cicadas no longer around, there’s far less between-meal snacking. My babies (and their babies) are hungry. The fledges are fluttering their wings in excitement and taking their brave first flights all to land at empty feeders.
But I’ve allowed the feeders to become empty and am enduring the dirty looks and indignant chitter chatter some of my goldfinches, in particular, seem to be aiming in my direction.
Conflicting Reports
Some articles seem to indicate the disease appears to be slowing down. Others are freaked out over a dramatic increase in cases here in Pennsylvania from late last week to just after the 4th of July holiday.
The bottom line is that I don’t want to risk playing a game of chicken with my songbirds. I’m not refilling my feeders. I’m going to wash them out over the weekend with the 1:10 bleach to water concoction recommended by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and keep an eye on the research results of the wildlife professionals.
It’s worrisome that they still haven’t figured out what caused this outbreak – or what, exactly, is the underlying issue.
In the meantime, I’m throwing some seed and peanuts across the lawn in a wide arc so they’re not congregating near any feeders. I love my babies and I don’t want anything to happen to them.
(T-141)