Since there are a few others on my f-list living in northern California, I thought I'd post this announcement, for anyone who might be feeding birds in the backyard (as I have been until recently). Apparently, there's been an outbreak of Salmonellosis in the state, mostly affecting pine siskins (which I've had at my feeders this winter) and the California Department of Fish and Game has asked folks in northern California to remove backyard bird feeders, and stop putting seed out for wild birds for at least the next 30 days, in the hopes of stopping the spread of this disease.
The article also has some guidelines to follow for keeping feeders and feeding areas hygenic, in general. I'll be taking down my feeders for the duration. I'll miss my birds, but keeping everyone healthy is more important. :)
