Bird feeders and bird baths are a wonderful way to attract birds to your backyard. To help prevent the spread of the diseases among birds, especially salmonellosis, it is recommended by experts that bird feeders and bird baths be disinfected regularly with a 10% bleach solution. Also, periodically move the feeders and baths so that seed and feces do not collect under them.

Another communicable bird disease is conjunctivitis, which affects the eyes of house finches and some goldfinches. Tube feeders should also be disinfected regularly, since the birds pass the disease to other birds when they eat seeds from the small openings, and their eyes come in contact with the feeder. Another preventive measure is to switch to platform feeders.

This is the time of year when rehabilitators get phone calls for injured or orphaned birds. Here are some tips on what to do if you have a bird emergency......

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Don't be too eager to rescue a fully feathered young songbird (fledgling) that can't quite fly. An uninjured, young looking bird found on the ground may not be an orphan. The first thing you need to do is assess the animal for any obvious injuries such as an oddly angled leg or wing, puncture wounds or bleeding. If the bird is healthy looking, you should next allow the bird to perch on your finger. If the bird is able to grip your finger firmly, the baby bird is a fledgling. However, if the bird is not able to cling to your finger, it is probably a nestling.

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Link: http://tinyurl.com/ya4bzp6

This barn owl family is quickly becoming America's most watched family. A man in California has set up a web-cam in an owl nest box 15 feet off the ground.

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If you find a baby bird that has fallen from a nest, you can simply put it back into the nest if you are able to reach it safely. The bird's parents will continue caring for the baby bird even if a person has touched it. If the bird is unfeathered and you are not able to put it back into the nest, bring the baby inside and place it in a box (with airholes already cut into the box) and keep the bird warm by using a hot water battle, warm water in a Ziploc bag that is double bagged to prevent water leaking or a heating pad set on low. Be sure to check often to make sure the heat source is not too hot or getting cold. Close the box and place it (with the heat source) in a dark, quiet area away from children and pets. Do not give the bird anything to eat or drink. Call a local rehabilitator as soon as possible.

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