Birds are amazing animals and with added remote work opportunities more humans have become tuned into their beautiful, healing, magical presence. During lockdowns, quarantines, and general overwhelm of a worldwide pandemic, many found hope and solace in avian encounters.
The birds were going on about their business. Their normal activity was all about. Energy and zest for life was felt from those with wings channeled to those with feet on the ground. Moments of awe were presented to us daily right outside our windows. The renewed (or brand new) awareness resulted in a growth in bird seed sales. Backyard sanctuaries, “bird cafes” started popping up all around rural, suburban, and urban communities.
Feeding birds is a wonderful experience and an awakening hobby for sure yet it is also a commitment with responsibility. We’ve all heard the term “Nothing worth having comes easy!” Well, after procuring food and placing it outside for the critters, work required by the human contributor doesn’t end there. Bird feeders (critter feeders)……the wider variety of wild animals in your yard don’t understand your intention and have no knowledge that those strategically placed (hung) feeders, are meant for the birds, but that is a topic for another blog.
Our offering in supplemental feeding is helping birds species survive due to human impact in habitat loss, widespread use of pesticides, and in some areas general lack of native food sources. With offering assistance we take on the responsibility of full support by feeding and cleaning.
Regular Maintenance for Responsible Supplemental Food Support:
Clean feeders every 1-2 weeks.
Wash with hot soapy water, soak in a water/bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) or a water/vinegar solution (50/50), rinse thoroughly with fresh water, and then dry before refilling.
Keep area under feeders tidy and free of dropped seeds and hulls. Old bits left on the ground can grow mold and become prime for driving infection.
Fill with nutritious snacks (seeds and nuts meant for birds).
Don't feed them bread, chips, crackers, salt, etc. Bread offers empty calories which could set up for a faulty digestion condition where birds will actually die from starvation.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a great resource for things All About Birds!
I have struggled with the idea of writing on this topic….would it be helpful? There are already loads of great resources with information such as Audubon and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I conducted some mini research and found that many colleagues, family, friends, neighbors, and strangers are actually unaware that feeders/feeding areas require regular clean up and disinfecting. Many people are not aware of infectious diseases that can contaminate bird feeders and the ground beneath.
As I was completing my dining station chores today a sweet, American Goldfinch caught my eye as it sat on one of the feeders. It was sick with what appeared to be a Finch eye disease presenting with both eyes almost completely sealed closed. A true sign for me to pick up pen and paper to get my 1st blog out in full support of all birds and in honor of this little yellow one.
I was able to walk right up to the Goldfinch….....with 2 feet between us it attempted flight. This situation always makes my heart ache and gut sink like lead. The bird swerved & wavered as if intoxicated up to a higher branch and then over my house, but with much difficulty in maneuvering. If I see it again and am able to make a gentle capture, I will take it to a wildlife rehabilitator. For now the feeders are back in the sink for disinfection and I will wait a few days to reset.
So, no matter how fastidious any one of us is about keeping things clean and neat, the birds are traveling. They are visiting a variety of yards on their daily rounds which increases their chances for infection. May we all do our part to supplement with full support.
2/22/22
Dedication to an innocent, sweet, American Goldfinch. I have images of the infected bird, but below is what we are blessed with when we take care and Supplement with Full Support.
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