Mortality event in local birds, DNREC asking to remove bird feeders and baths

DELAWARE – Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is warning the public to remove bird feeders and bird baths following a string of bird deaths in the state.

So far there’s been 50 reported deaths and bird sicknesses. DNREC tells us, in the past month they’ve had numerous calls about birds showing symptoms of crusting and swelling around the eyes, and experiencing neurological effects. They say some birds have gone blind and others are showing strange flight patterns or behavior.

We’re told this has been seen in birds such as cardinals, blue jays, and American robins. They say protecting birds until they figure out what the cause of this is, is important. “So taking these preventive measures by removing feeders and bird baths is the best way that the public can help out in this scenario,” says Jordan Terrell, an Environmental Scientist at DNREC. “We just eliminate the opportunity for them to pass on any sort of illness, bacteria, or anything that could be causing this event. So it’s more about preventing this from occurring.”

Although it is unknown at this time what exactly is causing this, environmental scientists say places where birds are gathering such as bird feeders and bird baths are a predicted factor.

DNREC asks the public, if you come in contact with a sick bird to wear protective gloves, and contact Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research center at 302-737-9543. If you have any questions, you can call the Division of Fish and Wildlife 302-735-3600.