Mass Wildlife Advisory: Report Dead Birds and Remove Feeders

~ Submitted by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

In late May, wildlife managers in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky began receiving reports of sick and dying birds with eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs. More recently, additional reports have been received from Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. While the majority of affected birds are reported to be fledgling common grackles, blue jays, European starlings, and American robins, other species of songbirds have been reported as well. No definitive cause(s) of illness or death have been determined at this time.

While there is always an increase in reports of dead birds at this time of year due to natural high mortality rates of young birds, MassWildlife is encouraging the public to report any observations of sick or dead birds (with unknown cause of mortality) as a precaution to help track this widespread mortality event.

Report Dead Birds

However, the mystery disease is not known to be in any of the New England states at this time. It is not necessary to report dead birds where strong evidence links the mortality to collision with glass or vehicles or predation by cats.

Please email reports to [email protected] and include your location, number and species of birds, symptoms observed, and any photos.

Remove Bird Feeders and Bird Baths

As another cautionary measure, MassWildlife and Mass Audubon are also recommending the public stop using bird feeders and birdbaths at this time. Birds congregating at bird feeders and birdbaths can transmit diseases to one another.

MassWildlife, as well as other affected states, recommend taking the following precautions:

• Cease feeding birds until this wildlife morbidity/mortality event subsides.
• Clean feeders and birdbaths with a 10% bleach solution (one-part bleach mixed with nine parts water), rinse with water and allow to air-dry.
• Avoid handling birds unless necessary. If you do handle them, wear disposable gloves and wash hands afterward.
• If picking up a dead bird, place an inverted plastic bag over your hand to avoid direct contact with the bird. To dispose of dead birds, place them in a plastic bag, seal and discard them with household trash or alternatively bury them deeply.
• Keep pets (including pet birds) away from sick or dead wild birds as a standard precaution.

At this time of year, birds are able to find plenty of natural foods on the landscape without needing birdseed. MassWildlife advises that seed from bird feeders can draw the unwanted attention of squirrels, chipmunks, turkeys, mice, rats, and even black bears. Wild animals that become habituated to human-associated foods like birdseed can become a nuisance, spread disease, and cause problems.

You can learn how to attract birds to your yard naturally throughout the year using native plants. Get tips here.