I noticed a post of the Nova Scotia Bird Society Facebook page this morning. It seems that the warmer weather we have been having is sorty of a mixed blessing for birds.
While it makes it easier to survive the winter, it seems there have been a couple reported cases of possible Thrichomonosis parasite infection. The birds in question were not tested, but they did appear to be sick. This is the parasite that has been around for a few years now and the reason people have been asked to take in bird feeders in warmer weather. And that would seem to be a part of the problem. It hasn’t been really cold enough to kill the parasite.
Sick birds may drool, have difficulty swallowing and regurgitate food, and can infect others through common areas like feeders and bird baths. Since it seems to be a good year for finches, they seem to be what is causing some concern.
Since it’s winter, I noticed they don’t seem to be asking for people to bring in feeders. They know a lot of people will keep feeding the birds, particularly this time of year, but they are asking people to keep a watch on their feeders, keep them clean, don’t let the food in them get wet, and if you notice sick birds to report them to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.
Usually this time of year, the parasite wouldn’t be much of a problem since the temperatures would be well below freezing. But this year, we haven’t been having that type of weather. At least so far.
So if you like to feed the birds, keep a watch on your feeder for any signs of sick birds. And give it a good wash with disinfectant now and then. For further information, check out the Nova Scotia Bird Society page. Not only do they have good information, they have some pretty cool pictures on there as well.
