Re: bird feeders and salmonella

Here’s an article from a couple of days ago on this topic.
Quotes from it:  “Idaho fish and wildlife officials are recommending that residents take down their backyard bird feeders or clean them frequently amid a salmonella outbreak that has infected songbirds across the western U.S.” …. “You can help to stop the spread of salmonellosis by discontinuing backyard bird feeding until at least April 1 to encourage birds to disperse and forage naturally,” said Kristin Mansfield, a veterinarian with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Birds use natural food sources year-round, even while also using backyard bird feeders, so they should be fine without the feeders for another month.”

Re: spring is coming

Hi Ruth,

I agree that swans have been absent in the Springfield area all winter.  I have been seeing two large groups in fields north of Siphon Rd., and another group north of Ballard Rd., West of Philbin Rd.  I think that most of the reservoir is open now, and presume the swans head there at dusk.  I’m glad you found some sanity in these troubled times.
Cheers,
Chuck

Always forward, never straight…

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