Maryland Bird Conservation Update - August 2021

Birdy Bits

• Partners take first step toward colonial waterbird habitat restoration near Ocean City (Audubon Mid-Atlantic)

• Insect decline and what you can do about it (Bay Journal)

• Duck stamp contest slated for September (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

• Administration moves forward with ban on bird-killing pesticide (Yahoo News)

State says it is OK to resume feeding birds, but remain cautious

In late May, wildlife managers in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and other states began receiving reports of sick and dying birds. Several passerine bird species have been affected.  No human health or domestic animal (pets, livestock, and poultry) issues have been documented.  As of mid-August, reports have decreased in many jurisdictions and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is lifting its previous recommendation to cease feeding birds.

The natural resource management agencies in the affected states and the District of Columbia, along with the National Park Service, continue to work with diagnostic laboratories to investigate the cause(s) of this event. Those laboratories include the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, the University of Georgia Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, the University of Pennsylvania Wildlife Futures Program, the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, and multiple state laboratories.

While no definitive cause(s) of illness or death has been determined, the following pathogens have not been detected, based on results received to date: Salmonella and Chlamydia (bacterial pathogens); avian influenza virus, West Nile virus and other flaviviruses, Newcastle disease virus and other paramyxoviruses, herpesviruses and poxviruses; and Trichomonas parasites. Transmission electron microscopy, metagenomics work, and additional diagnostic tests are ongoing.

Residents who choose to resume feeding birds and providing water in birdbaths should remain vigilant and consider the following standard guidelines:

Clean feeders and bird baths with soap and water at least once a week, then disinfect with a 10% bleach solution to prevent potential infectious disease spread between birds and other wildlife. After cleaning, rinse well with water and allow to air-dry. When handling bird feeders and baths be sure to wear disposable gloves and wash your hands when finished.

• When feeding birds follow expert recommendations such as those listed in the Audubon International Guide to Bird Feeding.

• Avoid handling birds unless necessary. Dispose of dead birds in a plastic bag, seal, and discard with household trash, or alternatively, bury them deeper than 3 feet to prevent disease transmission to other animals. If handling is necessary, wear disposable gloves or use plastic bags on your hands to avoid contact with carcasses.

• Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife.

• Report sick or dying birds to the Maryland DNR / USDA Wildlife Services Call Center at 1-877-463-6497 (410-349-8130 for out-of-state phone numbers). Licensed wildlife rehabilitators can be found on the DNR website.

Maryland DNR greatly appreciates the assistance of the public and wildlife rehabilitation facilities during this outbreak. Wildlife disease investigations take time and can be inherently challenging. Additional information and guidance will be shared as more results are confirmed.

MBCP Director to give presentation on Chimney Swifts

Join MBCP Executive Director Chris Eberly this Thursday (9/2) for a fascinating look at the amazing 'flying cigar.' Chimney Swifts have declined by 67% over the last 50 years. In this Zoom event with the Natural History Society of Maryland, Chris will discuss the natural history of swifts (do you know the difference between Anisodactyl and Pamprodactyl toes?!), introduce the MBCP Chimney Swift Conservation Program, and discuss how we can all help this species. Click here for more details and registration information.

Species Profile: Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

The story of the nation’s fastest bird is a telling one. During the 1940s-1970s, the pesticide DDT caused widespread failure to reproduce and Peregrine Falcons, along with many other meat-eating bird species, disappeared from much of their former breeding range. While numbers are still low, the species continues to recover nationwide and on the Lower Eastern Shore and in Southern Maryland.

Found in wide variety of open habitats, from tundra to desert mountains, this bird-eating predator seems most content near water in the Free State. Limited by availability of nest sites and prey, it often nests on building ledges (or on channel markers as evidenced by the current such nest off Crisfield).

In power-diving from great heights to strike prey, the Peregrine Falcon can reach speeds of 200 mph. Regarded by falconers and biologists alike as one of the noblest and most spectacular of all birds of prey, it is found on six continents.

Males bring food for females during incubation and fledging but have been known to raise young alone if female dies or leaves. Ducks and shorebirds are a Maryland prey favorite. Breeding Peregrines defend the immediate area of the nest from intruders, but hunt over a much larger area.

While this species has still failed to recolonize Western Maryland, its national recovery is a testament to the importance of federal regulation of harmful pesticides.

Read more about the Peregrine Falcon at All About Birds.

Partner Profile: Owl Moon Raptor Center

Founded in 2002, Owl Moon Raptor Center is a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in birds of prey. They have been a licensed non-profit organization since 2014. Owl Moon is located in Boyds, Maryland at the home of its primary operator, Suzanne Shoemaker, and serves Montgomery and neighboring counties.

An important partner, Owl Moon cooperates with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife & Heritage Service, and local animal control offices and humane societies to answer calls concerning injured, orphaned, or otherwise jeopardized birds of prey. Owl Moon rescues, rehabilitates, and reconditions raptors with the goal of returning them to the wild.

They will continue to be an important partner as the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership moves forward with plans to implement actions in the State Wildlife Action Plan.