DEAR JOAN: We have now been providing a feeding station for years, and having fun with seeing numerous birds comparable to goldfinches, home finches, juncos, towhees, and even up to now, nuthatches and quail households.
Due to our concern for the protection of the birds right here within the Bay Space, we discontinued feeding a few month in the past when requested to assist stem the unfold of the Hen Flu virus. My husband and I are very cautious in conserving the birdfeeders very clear together with the 2 birdbaths. We actually miss these colourful guests, however don't need to be chargeable for any spreading of this lethal virus.
Please tell us when this quarantine may be over so we will start once more welcoming the birds again to our backyard.
John and Rosalie Worth, Saratoga
DEAR JOHN AND ROSALIE: Officers suggest taking down your feeders solely if in case you have a yard flock of chickens, geese or geese, or in case you see sick birds. Whereas all birds can contract the lethal virus, poultry and water fowl are probably the most prone, songbirds the least.
It’s OK to place your feeders again up, however as all the time, hold them clear and look ahead to any signal of hassle. For those who discover a useless hen, report it to the state by calling 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or on-line at westnile.ca.gov/report. For those who’re seeing sick birds, take your feeders down.
DEAR JOAN: I've a hummingbird feeder hanging outdoors my kitchen window. Simply observed one in every of my common customer’s beak seems to be odd — thick and somewhat bumpy. Is he sick?
I instantly took down the feeder. No mildew, no bugs. I emptied it and it’s soaking in a bucket with somewhat bleach. Ought to I put it again up or not? There may be not so much blooming in my yards after our current scorcher.
Would the hummingbirds use my birdbaths? They appear too deep for a hummer.
Janet Clark, Nice Hill
DEAR JANET: Your hummingbird probably has avian pox. It's contagious however there may be some debate on taking feeders down. Eradicating feeders will cut back the possibilities of different birds contracting the illness out of your feeder, however for a hen already struggling to battle off the sickness, depriving it of meals could make issues worse.
Consultants as an alternative suggest bringing the feeders in at night time and cleansing them effectively with diluted vinegar. Utilizing bleach is OK so long as you rinse rather well.
Your birdbaths are most likely too deep for the hummers, preferring showers anyway.
DEAR JOAN: In each my back and front yards, I see lizards, from tiny ones to extra grownup dimension. They're all are grey.
They appear to thrive right here. Any thought of what kind of lizard I’m seeing? The adults are nearly 5 inches lengthy, and the infants are at max 2 inches lengthy. What do you assume they may very well be?
Judy, Harmony
DEAR JUDY: They probably are our most typical lizard, the Western fence lizard, also referred to as blue bellies. I've an abundance this yr, too. Though they do seem strong grey, in case you may flip them over, you’d probably discover a blue stomach, a trait that offers them their different identify.
They're a useful addition to the backyard, feasting on quite a few bugs, slugs and snails that we don’t discover as helpful.
Contact Joan Morris at jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.
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