Clean feeders keep birds coming back

A lesser goldfinch shows signs of conjunctivitis and avian pox. Photo by J.J. Meyer

     Maintaining bird feeders and birdbaths requires a commitment.  Read how you can help keep backyard birds healthy and help reduce the spread of diseases to humans in The Orange County Register.
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     Happy birding!
     J.J.

Not a Common Sight: A Female House Finch feeds a begging Lesser Goldfinch

Mistaken Identity? An unusual sight at the feeder. Photo taken July 15, 2011 by J.J. Meyer

I sent this photo to Cornell Lab of Ornithology asking if this behavior is common.
Here's the response from the science editor:
"Not AT ALL common! But pretty cool! I wonder if the House Finch has eggs, nestlings or recently fledged young somewhere, or if she lost her young. Her hormones are primed to feed begging young, and although they're smaller than House Finch fledglings and the wrong color, the young Lesser Goldfinches do make similar begging sounds that she'd respond to."
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Happy birding,
J.J.

Seeing fewer hummingbirds at the feeder?

Hummingbirds swarmed this feeder in Santa Ynez. Photo taken March 25, 2011.

      It's normal to see fewer hummingbirds at your feeders this time of year. Anna's and Allen's are currently nesting in Southern California. So the female is feeding largely on insects for the extra protein needed for her brood. And because she feeds her nestlings every 15 minutes, she tends to stay close to the nest. Hummingbirds are extremely territorial. Aggressive males will attempt to run off others in an effort to protect his female and feeding territory.
     And be sure to keep your feeder clean. Hummingbirds can contract a deadly fungal infection from dirty and moldy feeders. The infection causes their tongues to swell, making it impossible for them to eat. They end up dying from starvation.
     Replace the nectar and clean the feeder thoroughly at least every week in cool weather. As temperatures heat up, we need to do this every day. Clean feeders with white vinegar and hot water. Scrub out any signs of mold with a clean brush. Hummers may reject your feeder if you use soap.
      You will be rewarded with a spectacular display.
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      Happy birding!
      JJ