Have you noticed a change in bird populations this year, specifically a decrease in certain types of them? You’re not alone. Wildlife officials have recently announced that they are receiving reports of a mysterious disease affecting certain types of birds in the mid-eastern United States, including the state of West Virginia.

The birds most commonly affected by this disease seem to be grackles and blue jays, but symptoms have also been observed in other species like starlings, robins, mockingbirds, and wrens.
Ken Thomas/Wikipedia
Symptoms include eye infections, injuries, unusual head bobbing, balance issues, weakness, and death.
James Demers/Wikipedia
Wildlife officials from West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, the National Park Service are collaborating to investigate. While the exact details of the disease are still unknown, these experts are asking for the public's assistance to help stop the spread of whatever this illness is that is targeting these birds so severely.
Vkulikov/Wikimedia

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Because birds congregating at bird feeders and birdbaths can share diseases, they have issued a recommendation that, for areas affected, homeowners temporarily stop feeding birds until this infection can be resolved.
Dave Lundy/Flickr
They also recommend cleaning any used feeders and bird baths with a bleach solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.
Mike's Birds/Wikipedia
Do not touch or handle ill birds unless absolutely necessary, and then only while wearing disposable gloves. Dispose of dead birds, if necessary, in a sealed plastic bag with other household trash. Do not let your pets interact with sick or dead birds, just in case this mysterious disease is contagious among species.
Wikipedia/GeoffClarke

Finally, if you observe a sick bird, you can report it to your local wildlife official with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. You can find more information about how to contact them here.

Have you observed anything unusual happening with either grackles or blue jays in your neck of the woods? While we’re on the topic, what about the chatter we’ve heard on our West Virginia Nature Lovers Facebook Group that the hummingbird sightings are down this year – is that something you’ve noticed as well?

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