This past year, I discovered the simple joy of feeding birds in my backyard. It started with a single feeder, and before I knew it, my yard became a lively hangout for cardinals, blue jays, and even a few finches. Watching them dart between the trees and the feeder has been a bright spot in my day.

But recently, I came across some unsettling news on social media: could my new bird feeders potentially spread avian flu?

BELOW: The 20+ Birds you'll see around Michigan during the winter ⬇️

I had no idea that something so small and joyful could possibly harm the creatures I’ve grown to love. According to experts, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) can spread not just among wild waterfowl, like ducks and geese, but also through shared spaces where birds gather—like feeders and birdbaths.

Bird, Bird Feeder, Avian Flu, Bird Flu
Laura Hardy
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That hit me hard, I didn't want to be the reason they're getting sick!

Dr. Megan Moriarty, a wildlife veterinarian with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), mentioned in a interview that while the risk is lower for songbirds compared to waterfowl, it’s not zero. The feeders that bring us so much joy can also act as hubs for disease transmission if they aren’t properly cleaned and maintained.

In the past, they've mentioned that you should take your feeders down, but cleaning them weekly can do the same trick.

The DNR suggests taking extra precautions, like cleaning feeders weekly with a 10% bleach solution and avoiding placement near areas frequented by waterfowl. They’ve also stressed the importance of monitoring for sick or dead birds and reporting anything unusual.

If you’re like me and love feeding birds, it’s worth taking a step back to assess how we can do this responsibly. If giving my feeders a good scrub (which they could probably use anyway) can help- I'm happy to do my part.

20+ Birds Around Michigan You'll See During The Winter

While much of Michigan's bird populations head south for the winter, plenty stay here throughout the cold. Crazily enough, some even head North instead. Bird information courtesy of perkypet.com

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

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