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Effective February 8, 2021, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking the public to remove bird feeders and bird baths  until spring when the Pine Siskins have returned to their northern  range.  Please see their recent announcement for more information.

Following their arrival to our area this winter, the Pine Siskins are experiencing a Salmonellosis outbreak.  Sadly, this is a typical and  expected event during an ‘irruption year’ of siskins.  Pine Siskins are especially susceptible to Salmonellosis.  We have received many calls  from our Sonoma County community regarding ill and dead Pine Siskins and  we have received many sick patients at our hospital this week . 
 
Salmonellosis  is a deadly disease that spreads rapidly through Pine Siskin  populations.  Eventually the disease spreads to goldfinches and other  finch species. An epidemic usually begins when birds congregate at bird  feeders, or when they use improperly-cleaned bird baths. Typical signs  of the illness are lethargy, puffy or fluffed up appearance, and  occasionally swollen/irritated eyes.
 
Please  remember feeding the birds comes with responsibility.  Help keep Pine  Siskins and other songbirds safe and healthy by following our  Songbird-Safe Bird Feeding Guidelines below.  If you have found an ill  or injured songbird or have questions about the outbreak, please contact  us at 707-484-6502.
 
Owners  of free-roaming cats, please take note:  Felines preying on birds  infected with salmonella can contract the bacteria.  This is one of many  good reasons to keep cats indoors or contained in a catio.  Containing cats is safer for them and safer for our native songbirds and other small wildlife.

Following their arrival to our area this winter, the Pine Siskins are  experiencing a Salmonellosis outbreak.  Sadly, this is a typical and  expected event during an ‘irruption year’ of siskins.  Pine Siskins are  especially susceptible to Salmonellosis.  We have received many calls  from our Sonoma County community regarding ill and dead Pine Siskins and  we have received many sick patients at our hospital this week.

Salmonellosis  is a deadly disease that spreads rapidly through Pine Siskin  populations.  Eventually the disease spreads to goldfinches and other finch species. An epidemic usually begins when birds congregate at bird  feeders, or when they use improperly-cleaned bird baths. Typical signs  of the illness are lethargy, puffy or fluffed up appearance, and  occasionally swollen/irritated eyes.     

Please  remember feeding the birds comes with responsibility.  Help keep Pine  Siskins and other songbirds safe and healthy by following our  Songbird-Safe Bird Feeding Guidelines below.  If you have found an ill  or injured songbird or have questions about the outbreak, please contact  us at 707-484-6502.     

Owners  of free-roaming cats, please take note:  Felines preying on birds  infected with salmonella can contract the bacteria.  This is one of many  good reasons to keep cats indoors or contained in a catio.  Containing cats is safer for them and safer for our native songbirds and other small wildlife.

Q:  If I remove my bird feeder will the birds starve?

A:  No.  Native songbirds have been successfully finding food in the wild long before the advent of bird feeders.

Q:  Can I keep my hummingbird feeder up?

A:  Yes.  Pine Siskins are not attracted to nectar.  However, you should remove your hummingbird feeder if you observe Pine Siskins. 

Q:  I found a dead Pine Siskin.  Should I bring it to you?

A:  No.  Given the magnitude of the epidemic, their cause of death was most likely salmonellosis.  There is need for testing to confirm.

Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Avian Salmonellosis Fact Sheet

National Audubon Society - Pine Siskin  Irruption Year

California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Salmonellosis Overview

California Department of Fish and Wildlife  - Birdfeeders and Birdbaths