On an unhappy note it has come to our attention many around the mid-state are seeing evidence of sick Pine siskins. Pine siskins as we pointed out last month are a winter visitor at feeders that tend to mix in with Goldfinch’s. A few customers recently reported siskins behaving oddly and discovered some dead ones, too. I found two dead siskins just yesterday morning in my yard and I have noticed some siskins exhibiting erratic behavior in the form of lethargy, flying clumsily, and a general unawareness. The cause is not avian conjunctivitis which is easy to detect. The eyes would be visibly affected, becoming crusty, and eventually closing leaving the bird helpless.
Most likely the cause is a type of Salmonella that Pine siskins are extremely susceptible to according to several articles I’ve read on the subject. Apparently, Salmonella as a disease in wild birds is relatively rare but outbreaks do occur from time to time and then we see the evidence at our feeders. It is not because of the feeders as it happens in nature, too. Many birds with mild infections can carry the disease without showing symptoms and simply pass it out in their feces. But the bacteria remain alive. When a susceptible individual of an easily infected species like the Pine siskin picks up the bacteria it proliferates quickly in the bird’s gut and is passed along to others through the feces. Pine siskins are extremely social, as are Goldfinch’s, allowing easy transmission of the disease.
We feel it is our responsibility to give you this information so you may take a course of action you are comfortable with. It is transmittable to humans so I would suggest handling finch feeders or dead birds with caution. Use gloves when handling finch feeders, or any feeders siskins have been present, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
What You Can Do
Takedown your finch feeders, or feeders you have seen a significant siskin presence, for a period of two weeks, giving them a thorough cleaning with a mild bleach solution, and by doing so likely cause sick Pine siskins to move along.
Continue to feed after giving your feeders a thorough cleaning but monitor for evidence of sick Pine siskins and Goldfinch’s. Clorox wipes are a very good tool for cleaning feeders allowing one to effectively wipe down feed ports and perches quickly and easily.
Clean feeders more frequently. It is always a good and advisable thing to do for your wild bird visitors. Feeding wild birds is extremely enjoyable but there is a responsibility on your part to offer a clean and healthy environment.
Because Pine Siskins are very social they can be numerous at feeders making them the most susceptible. There is nothing wrong with feeding them just be aware of the issue. The disease is apparently just as frequent in wild areas as it is at feeders. We just happen to see the evidence first hand.
