Sometimes We Hurt The Ones We Love!

IDAHO FALLS - Just about everyone loves birds. To some people it's a casual affair, with a quick look snatched here and there. To others, it a passionate lifelong commitment, with trips to exotic locations to view rare species. Unfortunately, we sometimes inadvertently harm the ones we love, as is currently the case with some bird fanciers in the state. Each summer, IDFG receives calls concerning the seemingly unexplainable deaths of passerines or as they are more typically known, songbirds. While these deaths may at first appear mysterious because of the lack of any signs of foul play, closer examination in a laboratory usually is sure to reveal that they were indeed victims of a crime of passion. They were loved to death; killed by the very people who were trying to help them. In most cases the culprit is a bacterial disease such as Salmonella or a parasite such as Trichomoniasis. These diseases and others such as Aspergillosis and Avian Pox are usually spread through contaminated feeders and birdbaths. There a few simple guidelines that bird lovers can follow to help prevent the spread of disease during the warm summer months: - Keep Feeders & Birdbaths Clean - Clean feeders and birdbaths in a 10 % chlorine bleach solution every two weeks. Make sure baths are not located directly under feeders where they can be contaminated by waste or spilled feed. Clean up under feeders on a regular basis. - Leave Plenty of Space- Make sure feeders are large enough to accommodate the birds that want to use it. Make sure it is located away from places where predators such as house cats could lie in wait. - Use Quality Food - Discard any food that smells musty, is wet, looks moldy or has fungus growing on it. Store food in a dry secure container that rodents cannot get into and contaminate. - Spread the Word - Tell others about how they can love birds without exposing them to harm. If you have any questions regarding proper care and feeding of birds, contact your local IDFG Office or local Audubon Society Chapter.