With regards to sick siskins, I had heard earlier this spring that many were
dying in the area at bird feeders. One woman in town that regularly feeds
birds (and keeps her feeders clean) was quite upset to watch the birds dying
at her feeder. This was quite some time ago and I have forgotten some of the
details, but she was very concerned and would like more information as well.
It seems to me she had brought one of the sick/dying ones to the local
veterinarian and it was diagnosed with Salmonella sp.
poisoning.

If someone is interested in more details, I could provide them since the
woman kept very detailed notes of the event.




At 11:02 AM 6/1/97 -0700, you wrote:
>A co-worker asked me if anyone else had noticed sick PineSiskens this
>winter spring. She noticed a few at her feeder, about 10% to 25% of the
>PISI that came to her feeder had fluffed, dishevelled looking feathers and
>where very lethargic. She is careful about cleanliness of her feeders and
>the area and uses fresh seed. She lives between Paine Field, Edmonds.
>
>Any other similar observations?
>
>Thanks
>
>
>
cheers,

Don Cecile
dcecile at cln.etc.bc.ca