Hi All
We have a bird which comes to the feeder and it has something wrong with its face.I am not sure if I am allowed to put a photo of it on this website so people can see it and tell me what is wrong.
It looks like a growth or sore which covers one eye.
If I am allowed to post a photo I will.So if someone will say if its OK because I dont want to offend.
Thanks
Jane
Oh, I can see it ok...anyone else not see it?
It's the Bird Watching magazine - October 2009 edition.
I could e-mail it to you if you like. If so, go to my page and leave a 'comment' with your e-mail address and I can then delete it so no spambots find it!!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
How do I create my own posts?
-Alfie Bell
Hi
Go back to "Wildlife Questions" and in the top right hand corner you will see "New Post" click on this
My first thoughts, on seeing your picture of this poor great tit ,was that these growths were caused by the avian pox virus. Reddish growths around the face, and sometimes the legs ,are classic symptons more common than respiratory problems which can also be caused by this virus. Avian pox does seem to have been ruled out in the scanned article but I'm not sure why - perhaps I missed that bit so will read it again. Unfortunately avian pox is highly contagious so good hygiene around feeders and bird baths is particularly important. You are already supplying nutritious food so keep that up but there is not really much else that can be done.
A belated welcome to the site by the way.
Watch out for swifts
Hi Marjus
Just went back to my page and the scan is now there
Thank you , I will now go and read it
Oh good! Think it would be worth reporting it to Bird Watching so that they can let the researchers know!
I have emailed Birdwatching Magazine and will let you all know if I get a response.
Thank you all for your help ,what a great friendly website
Thank you
Hi Jane
Lets hope they don't take too long to get back to you as it will be good to read their comments.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
I emailed Richard Broughton who is doing the study on these lesions and here is his reply.
Bizzare isn't it! Thanks for posting that Jane. Will be interesting to see how this pans out!