Do’s and don’ts for winter bird feeding
One of the highlights of a North Woods winter can be watching wild birds flock to yard feeders when natural food sources become scarce or buried beneath snow. As spring approaches, the feeders can become magnets for early migrants.
But this practice in recent years has carried a risk with the rise of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, and other diseases.
Monday had a reminder that HPAI remains in the Great Lakes region. State investigators confirmed a backyard flock in Alpena County in northeastern Michigan has been infected with HPAI, the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said in a news release. It is Alpena County’s first bird flu case since officials first confirmed the presence of the disease in Michigan in 2022.
Positive HPAI cases have been documented elsewhere in commercial flocks, backyard flocks, dairy cattle, wild birds and wild mammals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Most cases occur in waterfowl and raptors — eagles, hawks and owls — that might prey on or scavenge off sick birds. But other wild birds, including shorebirds and gulls, can harbor the virus as well.
Since December, there has been an uptick in HPAI wild bird deaths, primarily in Canada geese, trumpeter swans and scavenging birds, MDARD stated in a news release. HPAI is shed — or released via viral particles — through feces, saliva and nasal discharges. Though some human cases have been reported, the general population’s risk remains low.
Even with the threat of avian influenza, experts say the public can continue to feed the birds, but recommends these safety tips to keep them healthy and prevent the spread of HPAI.
Do:
— Report observations of six or more dead birds using the DNR’s Eyes in Field reporting form or calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
— Clean bird feeders every one to two weeks in a 9:1 solution of water and bleach, scrubbing away any debris.
— Wear gloves while cleaning feeders and thoroughly wash hands when finished.
— Let feeders dry fully before refilling.
— Fence in feeders, if possible, to prevent deer access and reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease.
— Remove and disinfect feeders if sick or dead birds are found.
Don’t:
— Handle or attempt to capture sick or dead birds.
— Let your pets near bird carcasses.
— Place seed directly on the ground or use platform feeders, which attract large numbers of birds, deer and rodents.
— Feed wild birds if you have backyard poultry.
To learn more about the virus and how to help keep Michigan’s birds safe, go to Michigan DNR’s HPAI Frequently Asked Questions page, https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife/wildlife-disease/disease-monitoring/avian-influenza-updates/hpai-faqs.
Learn more about Michigan birds and backyard bird feeding tips at MI Birds, an outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR.