DEAR JOAN: We have been offering a feeding station for years, and enjoying seeing various birds such as goldfinches, house finches, juncos, towhees, and even in the past, nuthatches and quail families.
Because of our concern for the safety of the birds here in the Bay Area, we discontinued feeding about a month ago when requested to help stem the spread of the Bird Flu virus. My husband and I are very careful in keeping the birdfeeders very clean along with the two birdbaths. We really miss these colorful visitors, but do not want to be responsible for any spreading of this deadly virus.
Please let us know when this quarantine can be over so we can begin again welcoming the birds back to our garden.
John and Rosalie Price, Saratoga
DEAR JOHN AND ROSALIE: Officials recommend taking down your feeders only if you have a backyard flock of chickens, geese or ducks, or if you see sick birds. While all birds can contract the deadly virus, poultry and water fowl are the most susceptible, songbirds the least.
It’s OK to put your feeders back up, but as always, keep them clean and watch for any sign of trouble. If you find a dead bird, report it to the state by calling 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at westnile.ca.gov/report. If you’re seeing sick birds, take your feeders down.
DEAR JOAN: I have a hummingbird feeder hanging outside my kitchen window. Just noticed one of my regular visitor’s beak looks odd — thick and a little bumpy. Is he sick?
I immediately took down the feeder. No mold, no bugs. I emptied it and it’s soaking in a bucket with a little bleach. Should I put it back up or not? There is not a lot blooming in my yards after our recent scorcher.
Would the hummingbirds use my birdbaths? They look too deep for a hummer.
Janet Clark, Pleasant Hill
DEAR JANET: Your hummingbird likely has avian pox. It is contagious but there is some debate on taking feeders down. Removing feeders will reduce the chances of other birds contracting the disease from your feeder, but for a bird already struggling to fight off the illness, depriving it of food can make things worse.
Experts instead recommend bringing the feeders in at night and cleaning them well with diluted vinegar. Using bleach is OK as long as you rinse really well.
Your birdbaths are probably too deep for the hummers, who prefer showers anyway.
DEAR JOAN: In both my front and back yards, I see lizards, from tiny ones to more adult size. They are all are gray.
They seem to thrive here. Any idea of what type of lizard I’m seeing? The adults are almost 5 inches long, and the babies are at max 2 inches long. What do you think they could be?
Judy, Concord
DEAR JUDY: They likely are our most common lizard, the Western fence lizard, also known as blue bellies. I have an abundance this year, too. Although they do appear solid gray, if you could flip them over, you’d likely find a blue belly, a trait that gives them their other name.
They are a helpful addition to the garden, feasting on a number of insects, slugs and snails that we don’t find as useful.
Contact Joan Morris at [email protected].
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