Nancy and Tweeters,



I think these two sick birds are just the "bad luck of the draw". I don't
believe there is any disease connection between the two. We're getting to
that time of the year when Mother Nature weeds out those who are not as fit
or successful. I would guess that the flicker may have an external parasite
problem - lice/mites. The towhee could have an abscess, a tumor or, less
likely, a viral disease.



If you are able to catch either of these birds, I'd recommend that you take
them to a wildlife rehabilitator such as PAWS in Lynnwood.



Dave Parent, DVM, Freeland, WA



-----Original Message-----
From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Nancy
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 8:13 AM
To: Tweets
Subject: [Tweeters] Sick Birds



Hello Tweets,

Recently I have seen 2 sick birds near our feeder. The first was a Spotted
Tohee with a tumor on his face the size of his head. He showed himself for
just a brief time and disappeared. Today it is a Red Shafted Flicker with a
bald head and very shabby feathers. Should we be trying to do anything here?

Nancy
Renton, WA.