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Check this link out:)

This is definately what we have :-D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Tree_Sparrow

I have had to make a decision today to move the peanut ball.There are now 3 squirrels feasting on it and then wrecking our lawn by digging loads of holes all over it :-S.So I have moved it down to the bottom of the garden on an apple tree.I'm not bothered about holes in the grass down there.But I now can't see it so can't see the birds on it. :-S :-S.I may have to do away with it altogether.The squirrels are also eating all the bird seed that I put out on some old tree trunks.I do love to watch their antics ,but I think it is time they went and fed somewhere else :-(.Three squirrels are just too destructive.They are digging in the flower beds too and OH is not impressed lol

Thought you would like to see this article, I have a great Tit with it and took a photo of the poor little thing last week. I'm going to send the photo to Jude so she can put it on her blog, it's not a nice site so be warned.

Avian pox in garden birds

Avian pox is a viral skin infection that shows up as unsightly growths on the bird, mainly on the head and neck, and at the base of the wings.

Which birds are affected?
Avian poxvirus infections have been reported sporadically in British garden birds, mainly wood pigeons and dunnocks, for many years.

Since 2007, there have been reports of pox lesions in tits, mostly great tits, particularly during the late summer and autumn months. It is common for a number of tits to be affected in one garden, and their lesions can be quite severe.

The extent to which different bird species are susceptible to different strains of avian poxvirus is unknown. However, the disease could potentially be infectious to poultry, cage and aviary birds. Avian pox is found only in birds, and so it does not pose a threat to the health of humans or other mammals, such as cats and dogs.

What happens?
Affected birds develop warty or tumour-like growths, on the head (particularly next to the eyes or beak), legs, wings, or other body parts. The growths are usually grey, pinkish, red or yellow in colour. Affected birds often appear to feed and move around normally.

In many species, including wood pigeons and dunnocks, the growths can be relatively mild and may regress with time. However, in some cases, especially in tits, the growths can become very large and may impede the ability of birds to see, feed or move around. In these cases the birds become more susceptible to predation and other infections.

Although large pox growths can be very characteristic, smaller or medium-sized growths can easily be confused with a number of other conditions, including ticks. The disease can only be confirmed by further investigation, such as post mortem examination and subsequent laboratory analysis.

How is it passed on?
Avian poxvirus is thought to be spread between birds in three main ways:

• by biting insects (e.g. mosquitoes, mites and flies)
• by direct bird-to-bird contact
• by indirect contact via contaminated surfaces such as perches or bird tables.

The virus is relatively resistant and can persist on contaminated surfaces, such as perches and bird tables, for long periods of time.

What can I do?
Whilst supportive care can be attempted in captive birds, there is no treatment that could be given to free-living birds.

Where an avian poxvirus outbreak exists, general measures of disease control in wild bird populations should be adopted. Ensure optimal hygiene at garden bird feeding stations, paying particular attention to regular disinfection of surfaces that the affected birds have been in contact with, such as perches and feeder ports. Clean out bird baths on a daily basis, and refill with fresh water.

If a large number of sick birds congregate, consider reducing the amount you feed for up to a month to help reduce close contact between the sick and healthy birds.

If you keep domestic birds, you should prevent contact between captive and wild birds as much as possible. Wash and disinfect your hands thoroughly after handling wild bird feeders or equipment, and reduce the exposure of your birds to biting insects where feasible.

How you can help
Whilst a range of species are known to be susceptible to the avian poxvirus, the cases of infection in tits are not typical of the type of avian pox we are used to seeing, because the lesions are particularly large. It is possible that they are caused by a new strain of avian pox. The early reports were strongly concentrated in south-east England, but there are now indications that the outbreaks are spreading west and north.

We are investigating the spread and intensity of avian pox in the UK, and the full range of species affected by it. If you see any garden bird with growths, please report this to us.

You can access a recording form by clicking on the link on the right. If you have any photographs of the affected birds, it would be helpful if you could attach these to the report, as they will help us identify what may be causing the growths. Your contribution will be valuable for our monitoring work.

If you require further information or advice, please e-mail our Wildlife Enquiries team at [email protected] or call 01767 693690 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm).

Garden Bird Health Initiative
The Garden Bird Health initiative (GBHi) was set up as a UFAW (Universities Federation for Animal Welfare) Working Group in 2003, including among others the RSPB, the BTO, and the Institute of Zoology.

In 2005, the GBHi was extended to become a major research and surveillance project studying garden bird health and disease outbreaks. This unique combination of scientists, conservationists and wildlife vets has proved to be a very successful partnership.

The group develops and publishes guidelines about how to best feed garden birds in order to maximise the benefits for their welfare and conservation, and minimise the risks from infections. It also researches the impacts of disease outbreaks on bird populations.

Shaun

That sounds awful Shaun.I will give my Bird Bath a good scrub tomorrow.Touch wood I haven't seen any birds that look sick.

Hello Shaun....

l think we had 3 Wood Pigeons recently that had this, and yesterday & today a collared Dove is'nt looking too good, but not like the Wood Pigeon. We tried to catch the Dove this morning and get it to the vets...no luck:(

Good news or hopefully it is......
l filled inthat form you sent me via email and the man that runs it has just emailed back....oooo fingers crossed the photo's l've just sent are really TREE SPARROWS, he said he'd let me know!!

l'm about to go back and read the rest of your post on here....thanks Shaun.

Jane....we have upto 3 squirrels sometimes, they dig in the soil not the lawn, well as far as we can tell anyways, we do get the odd tree growing every now and then too...lol

Take care

jude xx

PS...EDITED...
Shaun, we have'nt seen warts etc but the Pigeons beaks are all sticky and possibly bloody. We watch them and can see its very hard for them to eat and swallow, they sometimes sit with see in their beaks for a while:(

Jude our lawn is just full of little holes about an inch deep .I have watched the squirrels doing it ,then gone and had a look to see if anything(like peanuts) are in there.But there is nothing....just a flipping hole :-S
I hope I don't find any poorly birds.Touch wood they all look healthy at the moment.

Sorry Jane......l'm laughing at the holes and no nuts in the lawn :-D :-D

Jude I have had a chuckle myself ,with the empty holes.I don't think OH has seen the mess the lawn is in yet.He will have a dicky fit lol :-S :-S....Such is life ;-)

Jane....'a dicky fit'.....lol... l hate to think what that is :-D

No listen up everyone, that Tree Sparrow is'nt a Tree Sparrow after all:(( they are Reed Buntings...all males, which is lovely but l so want to find A TREE SPARROW!!

Off now to add photo's to the blog...:)

jude :-D x

Photo's on blog now:)

nite nite

jude x

Oh Jude,how disappointing it not being a Tree Sparrow.You were so excited too :-S
I saw a couple of very looking confused squirrels today when they realised the peanut ball was missing of the tree lol.I bet they have now found the new place.

The blackbirds were frisky this morning, three males and one female in the garden. We also had a blackcap and the usual goldfinch, chaffinch and bluetit.

Ann there have been lots of Blackbirds on our lawn this evening.And lots of birdsong.They must all be happy little birdies today with this lovely weather.
The last few mornings we have heard some Ducks flying over.I think Ducks.It has been so early I am still in bed and by the time I jump out they have gone so haven't actually seen them yet.
We still see the lonely Moorhen.I do feel sorry for it.All it's siblings must have perished :-( :-( :-(

Hello Everyone.

Ann, they are practising for spring :-D

For the first time this year we have had a beautiful evening chorus as the Blackbirds and Thrushes go to there roost in the woodland round the house.

This afternoon we had trouble with a Merlin, diving down on the feeders trying to snatch the birds of as they were feeding. :-(

We have not had problems with Merlin,s for a couple of years now but it looks as if we have a pair of them about this time.
Beautiful bird but a danger to our garden birds :-(

Hope you are all okay.

Shaun

We put up a new thistle feeder and I was quite surprised as the godfinches are already eating from it. :-D

Ann.What is a Thistle Feeder? Sorry if I appear thick lol

We have had a Red Kite around most of the day.It seemed to be very interested in next doors garden.I didn't bother with any pics as I have so many of the Kites.
What is the seed in wild bird food that smells of Aniseed?It smells lovely.

Sorry Jane that should read thistle seed feeder (or nyger seed feeder).
Lovely to see so much of the Red Kites.

don't know the answer to your question re the aniseed, Shaun may know.

I Am ridiculously pleased to have seen a wren in the garden today :-D

Jane, I think you will find the info below interesting.


The wild bird food is flavoured with aniseed, which is not only a digestive aid, but is also an attractant so adult birds will find the seed more easily, and fledglings will be encouraged to forage for food themselves.

Shaun

Thanks Shaun for that info.It does smell good .It's so strong ,my hands smell of it after dishing it out.This is the first bag of seed that has that 'ingredient'
Reminds me of the liquorice sticks I used to have as a child :-D

Ann I was confused lol i was imagining a prickly feeder :-S :-S

RR Hey get excited .Wrens are sooooo cute.We have a few knocking around here .I love them.