Remove bird feeders, for now, to protect songbirds

The national and local Audubon organizations are asking that all bird feeders be taken down for now, to protect songbirds from an “unknown affliction” that has been killing them in the South, the mid-Atlantic states and the Midwest. 

“Although it seems as if it hasn’t reached Connecticut yet, it’s time to take precautions,” according to an Audubon news release.

Audubon recommends five precautionary steps:

• Stop feeding birds and providing water in bird baths for the time being.

• Bring feeders and bird baths in and clean them with a 10% bleach solution. This includes hummingbird feeders.

• Avoid handling dead or injured wild birds. Wear disposable gloves if it’s necessary to handle a bird.

• Keep pets away from sick or dead birds as a standard precaution.

The afflicted birds include Common Grackle, Blue Jay, European starling, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, House Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, Red-bellied Woodpecker and Carolina Wren.

Many of the birds have been immatures, with swollen eyes and crusty discharges.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection  (DEEP) advises that if you see a live bird with these symptoms, don’t try to capture it. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator such as the Audubon Center in Sharon instead. 

“If you find a dead bird with crusty eyes, take photos and keep track of the date and location. Dead birds can be reported to the DEEP database.”

To dispose of dead birds, place them in a sealable plastic bag and discard with household trash. This will prevent disease transmission to other birds and wildlife.

 — Cynthia Hochswender