Check your feeders for wet or moldy seed after a rainstorm

Lesser goldfinches flock to fresh nyjer seed.   Photo by J.J, Meyer

An unusual summer storm last night may have dampened your bird feeders.  Get out to the feeders today and check your seed.  If it's moldy, throw it out!  If it's wet, bring it indoors.  Spill it onto a cookie sheet and dry in the oven at a low temperature for about 10 minutes.  Stir it around and make sure it's entirely dry.  If it's still clumping, give it a little more time in the oven.  While your feeder is empty, it's a good time to clean it!  California Dept. of Fish and Game recommends cleaning feeders weekly with a 10 percent bleach solution.  Rinse and dry thoroughly before refilling.  Read more about cleaning feeders in my O.C. Register column at Clean feeders keep birds coming back.
Happy Birding!
J.J.