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| Photo by Bev Lorimer |
The feeders that have a removable platform should be cleaned with a weak bleach solution every 5-8days. Other feeders need to be wiped clean. Seed at the base of feeders needs to be cleaned up regularly. Try sweeping or scooping it with a shovel.
Those of you who have lived here awhile know that we experienced a dreadful loss of grosbeaks 2-3 years ago. The probable cause was “salmonelosis”. The birds carry salmonella and it is easily spread through their fesces. Cleaning feeders and cutting back on the amount of seed as the weather warms up are two things we can do to help prevent the spread. Check any wildbird feeding website if you want more information.
To date I have seen 1 affected female grosbeak. She is still flying but is all puffed up and quite lethargic. A neighbour has seen a male grosbeak with similar symptoms. When they are sicker you can walk right up to them. They will sit in the same spot for days before they finally die. They puff up so big. Very sad to watch.
Also remember to thoroughly wash your hands after dealing with the feeders---- humans get salmonella too!
Thank you for taking care.
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