Bird Disease

Cornell researchers estimate that the House Finch populations have declined in the East from about 300 million birds to 180 million. This disease has now stabilized. It spreads when healthy birds come into contact with an infected bird or an object touched by an infected bird, tube feeders for example. For this reason feeders should be cleaned with a solution of one part bleach and ten parts water every two weeks or so. Nevertheless, the disease probably spreads most rapidly where the birds sleep together in large crowded roosts, quite often the populations that do not make regular visits to bird feeders. Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis cannot be transmitted to humans.

Birders of all backgrounds and skill levels are needed to participate in Project Feeder Watch and the House Finch Disease Survey, so the bird population research may continue.

A small fee helps defray costs of material. To sign up, call (800) 843-2473 or (607) 254- 2473 outside the United States. Visit the Lab at http://birds.cornell.edu. Send email to cornellbirds@cornell.edu OR write CORNELL LABORATORY of ORNITHOLOGY 159 SAPSUCKER ROAD, ITHACA, N.Y. 14580- 1999

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