Hi all,
  I'm back to my computer after a summer's break.  I read an interesting
article in the newspaper today:
    Infection threatens wild finches- Blurred vision makes birds
susceptible to predators
   "A bacterial infection that causes house finches to fly dazed and
blurry-eyed into windows is spreading across the eastern United States,
threatening the birds with a slow and ugly end.
   Biologists say the infection means finches struggle to find food
while becoming easier meals for predators.  Eventually, the finches
starve to death.
   Although common in domesticated poultry, the disease first appeared
in wild birds 2 years ago near Washington.  For the past few months,
bird watchers from Ga. to Ontario have spotted house finches affected by
the disease.  Scientists believe the finches are vulnerable because
their entire eastern US population originated from a handful of birds
that escaped from pet stores in New York City around 1940.  The house
finch is native to Western states.  Their lack of genetic diversity
makes them more susceptible to disease.
   Bird watchers have been advised to keep their feeders clean.  Feeding
stations may help spread the disease.  Seed shells should be cleaned out
weekly and the entire feeder should be cleaned with a bleach/water
solution at least monthly.  Also keep the area under the feeder clean.
   Just wanted everyone to know to take precautions against spreading
this disease to our bird friends.
                                                          TTYL, Jan
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