I am always quick to blame our species for problems with bird
populations, but in the case of this disease, I think there is a lot
more speculation than evidence. I followed some of the links, and did
not find the evidence Jason cites that the disease "came to be" as a
result of human actions, nor did I find solid evidence that the disease
is transmitted more rapidly at feeders than in the wild. I believe the
latter probably has some validity (as I believe it does with other
avian diseases), and yes, we should clean feeders regularly, but I also
think that Cornell is on the right track (and not "unconscionable") to
try to identify causes. I have seen a couple of afflicted finches on
southern Vancouver Island (as well as the usual few afflicted with
avian pox) and I don't know how the disease got here. Possibly from
migrant species? Possibly there is an insect that is a vector for the
disease? (As in avian flu). There are lots of unanswered questions and
the one thing birders can do is what they do best: observe and
document.


Bruce Whittington
Ladysmith, BC
mailto: fieldnat at pacificcoast.net