AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE CONNECTICUT AUDUBON SOCIETY

Something is killing birds to the south. Taking in your bird feeders now might help to keep it from spreading.

An unknown affliction has been killing songbirds in southern, mid-Atlantic states, and mid-west states. Although it seems as if it hasn’t reached Connecticut yet, it’s time to take precautions.

The Connecticut Audubon Society has been monitoring reports and consulting with other experts. They’ve all agreed on a few simple things to do.

Whatever is killing birds might be infectious, so we recommend that you stop feeding birds for the time being.

The birds won’t suffer if you take your feeders down — there’s plenty of wild food available at this time of year. And you can put them back up either when it’s clear that the problem won’t show up here or when it’s over.

Connecticut Audubon will be following the issue closely and will keep you informed of the latest developments and advice.

Here are five precautionary steps to take that might help slow the progress of the affliction or keep it from spreading if it arrives here.

• Stop feeding birds and providing water in bird baths for the time being.
• Bring your feeders and bird baths in and clean them with a 10% bleach solution. This includes hummingbird feeders.
• Avoid handling dead or injured wild birds. Wear disposable gloves if it’s necessary to handle a bird.
• Keep pets away from sick or dead birds as a standard precaution.
• To dispose of dead birds, place them in a sealable plastic bag and discard with household trash. This will prevent disease transmission to other birds and wildlife.

For more information, please read the full article on the CT Audubon Society website.