99-01-06, DShepgolf at aol.com writes:

<< ....But what I do know for sure is that if I put a feeder or water dish
out, I alone am responsible for keeping it as clean as is reasonably possible.
If I'm not willing to do at least that on a regular basis, I really shouldn't
be feeding the birds..... >>

It is indeed troubling to watch helplessly as the annual die-off of Pine
Siskins sweeps through we't slope feeder flocks. The awareness and
responsibility to the home feeder and keeping it clean of mold, fungus, and
fesces expressed by Diane, Dayna, and Michelle is most commendable and should
be echoed by all who keep feeders. Around here in 'Fungus Corners' (San
Diego's smug euphenism for Seattle and the PNW) keeping the feeders and ground
beneath acceptably clean is a full time commitment and even with our best
intentions such maintenance still falls way short especially in exceptionally
wet winters when dampness permeates the earth and air for months on end.

I gave up on thistle feeders several years ago and trying to attract Pine
Siskins to them. They are messy and once the siskin flock has found them,
they camp out there permanently until the inevitable outbreak occurs no matter
how good and attentive my intentions were. I've only had one sick Pine
Siskin so far turn up on the sunflower feeder. It would just sit there in the
catch tray and eat and poop. Doomed to the eventual inevitable and I sort of
felt the urge to just reach in and pick the thing up and put it out of it's
misery. I didn't but maybe should have. It's gone now and I assume it died
in the bushes somewhere.

What follows is a summary of avian salmonellosis prepared by Barry K. Hartup,
MS, DVM at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine:
<< http://birdsource.cornell.edu/pfw/PFWNEWS/PFWNEWS.HTM >>

Avian salmonellosis is caused by a bacteria belonging to the genus Salmonella,
which contains nearly 2000 different serotypes, or types, and has a worldwide
distribution. Many types of Salmonella are capable of infecting all vertebrate
species, including wild birds and humans. Some types are host-specific.

Salmonellosis is transmitted primarily by fecal contamination of food and
water by birds, which carry the bacteria, some of which may be outwardly
disease-free. Transmission via rodent droppings, ingestion of contaminated
feeds, or directly from bird to bird are possible. Normally, only small
numbers of birds become ill or die from Salmonella infections. However, large
die-offs have been documented in species common to feeders and in aquatic
species.

Diseased birds appear unthrifty, fluffed up, weak, or depressed, and may have
pasted vents and swollen eyelids. Other birds may experience convulsions or
acute death.

The control of Salmonella is difficult. In order to break the cycle of
infection at bird feeding stations, feeders and the immediate area must
be kept clean. Feeders should be regularly disinfected with a 10% bleach
solution in a bucket or other large container after cleaning with soap
and water. Spilled and soiled seed should be raked up and cleared away
frequently. Temporarily removing feeders may be required in an area with
a significant outbreak.

***Please remember, many Salmonella are documented human
pathogens. Extra care should be taken to wear protective rubber gloves
when cleaning feeders and removing soiled materials. Good personal
hygiene, such as thorough hand washing, is necessary to prevent
inadvertent infections in people.***

See also this website:
http://www.onr.com/user/audubon/News/a-safebf.htm

To learn more, start with web search: avian disease pine siskin.

Richard Rowlett (Pterodroma at aol.com)
47.56N, 122.13W
Fungus Corners, WA, USA)