Dear Tweeterites,

Were there some messages posted in the past year or so on a disease or
parasite or other pathology common in House Finches?

Mr. Walter Dougherty has been observing House Finches at his feeder which
exhibit deformities like tumorous growths near their eyes or on their
throats. Some have twisted, crumpled feet. He believes that about 1
out of every 8 finches have some kind of deformity. The deformed
birds, in his estimation, are all juveniles, not yet sporting the red
on the head.

That's about all I can remember of my conversation with Mr. Dougherty.
I would appreciate any information that might be provided. I may
call the National Wildlife Health Lab to try to get some informed
guidance on this one.

Kelly McAllister
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife