The DNR has withdrawn its recommendation that Indiana residents refrain from feeding birds in all counties. Indiana residents can reposition their bird feeders if they feel comfortable doing so and don't see sick or dead birds in their yard. A spokesman for the Indiana State Animal Health Board said the agency is not making recommendations on bird feeders at this time. However, they noted that if people see dead or sick birds around their feeders, the feeder should be thoroughly disinfected before hanging again.
INDIANAPOLIS (WANE) In many Indiana counties, Indiana residents can return to feeding birds after the DNR imposed a state moratorium on bird feeding more than two weeks ago to stop the spread of mysterious bird deaths. INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) The Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday that six more counties across the state may resume feeding birds, but it still recommends that some counties refrain from doing this activity. In June, the Indiana DNR recommended not feeding birds to stop the spread of a still-undetermined disease that killed songbirds across the state. In Indiana, nine sites in three counties (Dubois, Elkhart and Greene Counties) have tested positive, leading to the depopulation of turkeys and ducks on those farms, according to the Indiana State Animal Health Board.
The birds are a great addition to any landscape and there are many different kinds of birds to choose from. Some of the most popular birds are House Sparrows, Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmouses, and the Hummingbird. This article will give you some information about each of these bird types. You will also learn how to care for your feeders and what to look for when you are determining if your birds are ill.
House Sparrows
If you live in Indiana, you may wonder if it's okay to feed the birds in your yard. Fortunately, you can. But be careful.
The House Sparrow is a non-native bird that has been introduced into the United States for a variety of reasons. Many European settlers brought them to the New World in an attempt to provide wildlife familiar to them. They were also thought to keep insects from damaging grain.
Since their introduction, the population of House Sparrows has been on the rise. However, recent reports suggest that the Eastern population has been declining.
One reason is that House Sparrows can be aggressive. They also compete for nesting sites with native birds. This results in eviction of other birds.
Black-capped Chickadees
Chickadees are a variety of birds found in North America. They are small, bold, and inquisitive. Their bright color and black cap make them easy to spot.
There are three species of chickadees in Indiana. These include the Black-capped, Carolina, and Blue Jay. Each species has a slightly different range and song.
The Black-capped Chickadee is found in the northern part of the state. It is a common bird at backyard feeders. This species eats insects, seeds, and fruit. Like the other chickadees, it is a nimble flyer.
The Black-capped Chickadee calls can be complex. Its "chickadee-dee-dee" call is very distinctive. A male may also give a gargle call.
Tufted Titmouses
When winter comes to the state of Indiana, the American Crow, House Sparrow and Tufted Titmouse are common residents. These birds are very common backyard bird species.
The American Crow is a large bird. It roosts in large groups. They are known for their problem-solving abilities.
Tufted Titmouse are a small gray songbird. This bird can be seen in deciduous woodlands, parks and wooded areas in the East and Midwest.
It is a quick bird, with an irregular flight. In the fall and winter, it often visits feeders and houses.
The Tufted Titmouse has a unique call. Its notes are pleasing, and its loud calls can be a challenge to other birds.
Hummingbird feeders
The state of Indiana recently imposed a moratorium on bird feeding. This statewide restriction was put in place to slow the spread of a mysterious illness in songbirds.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources began receiving reports of sick birds in late May. Biologists began reviewing reports to find out what may be causing the illnesses. They found more than 3,400 sick or dead birds, and they are now evaluating the disease's cause.
Although the DNR has not yet determined the exact cause of the illnesses, it has ruled out bacterial pathogens, Trichomona parasites, and West Nile virus. It also ruled out other flaviviruses.
Cleaning feeders
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is urging residents to stop feeding birds. They say that the birds may have a variety of diseases.
A number of counties in Indiana have reported sick or dead birds. These cases have included red-tailed hawks and bald eagles. In some counties, there have been reports of a disease called avian flu, which causes eye swelling and crusty discharges.
Other states have seen a spike in illnesses, including Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland. Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center are working to determine the causes of this outbreak.
The Indiana DNR has ruled out the possibility of bacterial or viral disease, as well as trichomonas parasites. But it is still unclear what role songbirds have in spreading the virus.
Symptoms of sick birds
Birds that are showing signs of illness can be a real concern. They are easy targets for predators. However, you can help your birds get well. Just keep a few tips in mind.
First, make sure the bird is active. Then, observe it daily. If you see anything strange, such as a discharge from the eyes, swollen eyes, or crusty discharge from the feathers, contact the animal veterinarian.
Also, if you see a bird that is not eating, is sleeping on the floor, or is refusing to eat, this can be a sign of a serious illness. Sick birds may have a respiratory infection.
DNR said Monday that residents in 76 counties could resume feeding birds, although residents were asked to keep feeders low while researchers continue to investigate what is killing songbirds. Eighty-one counties in Indiana are now free to feed birds, but the DNR recommended that all bird feeders be cleaned at least once a week with a 10% bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly. Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion and Morgan Counties in the Indianapolis metropolitan area remained under the restriction until Friday, as did Carroll, Monroe and Tippecanoe Counties in central Indiana. Despite lifting restrictions, the Indiana DNR continues to encourage people to clean seed and tallow feeders at least once every two weeks, scrub them with soap and water, and then briefly immerse them in a 10% bleach solution.
The department said Friday that Indiana residents can turn off their feeders again if they feel comfortable doing so and don't find sick or dead birds in their yards. By removing their feeders and submitting more than 4,300 reports, residents allowed DNR staff to track the disease, detect regional differences and provide updated recommendations for feeding birds, the Indiana DNR wrote in a statement Friday announcing the lifting of feeding restrictions.
