bird feeders
One of the many joys of living here in scenic (and historic) Maiden Bradley is the abundance and variety of birdlife in the area. Attracting some of these industrious aerial gymnasts into our gardens with hanging feeders, tables, baths and other nutritious bird smorgasbord delivery systems is simple to do and...fun!
We can appreciate astonishing aerobatic displays, wonderful miscellanies of streamlined shapes (often themed on an egg), and delightfully creative avian fashion shows. We can also contemplate the interesting, intriguing, and sometimes baffling, ways of our tunefully chirping visitors.
Even indoors, songbirds ‘giving it the welly’ (staunch and with gusto!) chipping in their endlessly delightful musical arabesques (wafting, if you will, like melodious incense through our homes). A natural soundtrack to accompany the performance of those seemingly endless daily tasks or, when taking time out, to chill. (A refreshing change, perhaps, from radio, TV, or CD.) In short, garden songbirds are a must-have accessory for many of us.
However, all is not well in paradise. We do need to think quite carefully about what we offer our feathered friends in return for their outstanding aesthetic services.
As a result of environmental changes, feeders, tables, baths, et al, have become godsends for many wild bird species - especially during the winter months. (Some would argue certain species survival even.) Positioning of bird related outdoor furniture (cats!) and regular maintenance of these items, especially in terms of hygiene, needs a little more consideration and work than may first appear to be the case.
Did you know, for example, that one fifth of Britain's greenfinches have been killed by dirty feeders and infected bird baths since 2005? [Daily Mail] In 2007, Trichomoniasis (makes throats swell, causing starvation) killed around 500,000 of them. The disease is caused by a parasite. [New Scientist, reporting findings by the British Trust for Ornithology]
Dirty bird feeders are also a major cause of an infectious eye disease called mycoplasmal conjunctivitis (currently at epidemic proportions in eastern USA, having wiped out 60 per cent of house finches). Salmonella and E-coli are also insidious killers. No doubt there are many other diseases, associated with lack of feeder cleanliness, which are endangering our UK bird populations.
The message is clear, we must all make sure that our bird feeding hardware is cleaned every week or so and replenished with fresh contents. Easily done. Also, in my personal opinion, if you should happen to see any sick looking birds (puffed up throat feathers, runny eyes, drooling saliva, exhibiting a general appearance of malaise), take all food and water off-line for a couple of weeks – to avoid reinfection. Sterilise your feeding equipment. Then, be sure to start regular hygiene maintenance when you begin feeding/watering again. During a hard winter or water shortage period you may decide it’s best to continue food and/or water – but, monitor the situation.
TIP : If you want to be more economical in bird food provision costs, whilst ensuring top quality nutrients (rather than questionable low grade by-products), try putting some muesli on the menu at your songbird café – you may well find that our lovely Maiden Bradley flying divas flock in!
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Item by John Potts — 844064
08 April 2010
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