At this time last year there was an irruption of Pine Siskins in our area. Many succumbed to the deadly salmonellosis outbreak that occurred along with the massive numbers of birds. While not nearly as extreme as last year, some people have still reported sickly and dead birds at their feeders. It is very important, even in non-irruption years, to keep your feeders clean at all times of the year, but even more so if you are seeing ill birds. Please read the following from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
There are some great answers to many frequently asked questions regarding salmonellosis, as well as instructions for cleaning your feeders.
Thanks for doing your part in keeping birds safe and as healthy as possible.
Erin Ulrich, President
Rogue Valley Audubon Society