Participant Photo: American Crow

Last week, I removed all my feeders and cleaned and tipped over my birdbath when one of the finches frequenting my window feeder developed growths on his right foot and a few days later a swollen shut left eye, signs of Avian Pox. Heartbreaking situation, and I went from 20-30 visitors a day to a few regulars, the crows, juncos, and one hummingbird. I look forward to returning the disinfected feeders to their places next week and hope the birds who visit are free of disease. Rachael Carson was right. I learned that Avian Pox originated in poultry farms, and I eat poultry so somehow better care must be taken to keep the birds clean and healthy. Unfortunately, Tyson has bought Foster Farms and will soon own every poultry provider in the US.