Bucks County Audubon Society: Don't Feed The Birds

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A mysterious illness is plaguing birds across the Mid-Atlantic region, prompting the U.S. Geological Survey to recommend that people stop feeding birds.

"In order to protect the birds we all love, we are following the guidance of numerous partners and concur with the USGS in recommending that everyone remove their bird feeders and bird baths at this time," said Diane Smith, director of the Bucks County Audubon Society, in a statement. "Now is the time to clean, sanitize and store your feeders and baths."

The reason for the advice is that birds tend to congregate around bird baths and feeders, which could allow the disease to spread.

While the mysterious ailment is not yet prevalent in the area, sick birds have been reported in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Philadelphia counties. Symptoms can include swollen eyes with a crusty discharge, erratic flight, partial leg paralysis, stumbling, falling over and excessive vocalizations.

Birds affected include Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Carolina chickadee, Carolina wren, Blue jay, European Starling, and Common grackle.

Scientists are working to determine the cause. In the meantime, birds will benefit from a little "social distancing," which cannot be achieved at crowded bird feeders and bird baths, Smith said.

Feeders and bird baths can be cleaned with a 10 percent bleach solution, rinsed with water and air dried.

If you spot an ill bird, you can report it to the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School.

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