Perhaps you have heard reports of Avian Influenza in your area but have never seen any evidence of it. I heard of it as well, but last week I saw first-hand evidence of this highly pathogenic disease (for birds – humans rarely catch it). The first time, we were downstate at the Dixon Waterfowl Reserve where there are hundreds of waterfowl swimming in the remaining open water. As I scanned portions of the river that were ice-covered with my binoculars I noticed a Canadian Goose stumbling along. As I watched it tumbled over onto the ice, struggled to get up, and eventually just laid there. It didn’t move again.
On Christmas Day we have a tradition of driving downtown to Montrose Park. There’s nobody on the highways so we make great time and usually have the place to ourselves (except for other birders participating in a Christmas Bird Count). There were lots of Canada Geese, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Mergansers in the harbor swimming around the empty docks. Near one slip a dead Canada Goose was floating in the water.
I have to assume that both of these birds succumbed to the Avian Influenza, which, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is very widespread this year. I did a little research on what to do if you see birds affected by Avian Influenza and how to protect yourself from it. According to the Center for Disease Control, the easiest way to protect yourself is to stay away from any birds that may have been exposed to Avian Influenza. Birds that have trouble walking, standing, or flying away could be infected. If you have your dog with you, make sure it doesn’t approach the birds as well.
If you have bird feeders keep an eye on the birds visiting them as the disease can be easily transmitted where groups of them are feeding together. It’s aways a good idea to regularly clean your feeders with a mild bleach solution and use rubber gloves when you are touching the feeders.
I wanted to know if I should report the two birds I saw. The CDC’s website recommends referring to your state’s wildlife/natural resources department’s guidelines. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources website instructs residents to report 1-4 sightings in the same location to the local public health department. If five or more are seen they should be reported to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Seeing those two birds reminded me how deadly the Avian Influenza is this year, to keep an eye out for other infected birds, and to protect the birds coming into my yard to feed from getting infected.
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That’s pretty grim.