can you feed birds in indiana now

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After more than a month of keeping their bird feeders inside to slow the spread of an unknown disease killing birds across Indiana, Hoosiers in 76 counties can now bring those bird feeders back out, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced Monday.

Hoosiers in Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson and some other counties, however, should continue to keep their bird feeders inside.

The DNR asked people to bring in the bird feeders in late June after hundreds of songbirds were found sick and dying. The department launched an investigation around the same time, but has not yet found out what the cause of the illness is.

After reviewing more than 3,400 reports of sick and dead birds, biologists found there were 500 cases in 72 counties where birds shared the same clinical symptoms of neurological diseases. These symptoms included crusty eyes, discharge around the eyes and eye swelling.

The illness appears to be affecting specific areas, the DNR announced, and residents in Central Indiana should still refrain from feeding birds.

The counties where residents should still keep their bird feeders inside include: Allen, Carroll, Clark, Floyd, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Lake, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Porter, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe and Whitley.

Researchers have found that there is no threat to people, and that the illness is not likely to harm the overall populations of specific species of birds in Indiana.

The investigation is ongoing into the disease, which appears to primarily be affecting songbirds such as blue jays, American robins, Northern cardinals and starlings, among others.

The birds, tested by the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, have tested negative for West Nile virus, avian influenza and other health conditions.

If you live in a county where you can start feeding birds again, the DNR recommends that you:

If you live in a county where you cannot feed birds, the DNR recommends that you:

For more information, check the DNRs online resource page for the songbird illness.

IndyStars environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

Achieving a safe, healthy feeding event is of utmost priority. The U. S. Department of Fish and Wildlife (FWS) offers the following points should you choose to engage in the activity.

All puns aside, winter can be difficult for those of us who enjoy being outside. One way to continue enjoying life outside is feeding birds. Equipped with fundamental knowledge, you can assist our feathered companions in locating sustenance and enjoy yourself as well.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Hoosiers can once again feed birds. In May, reports of birds experiencing swollen eyes, discharge around the eyes, and neurological problems, ultimately leading to death, began to surface. Because it was believed an infectious agent was to blame for the issue, Hoosiers were asked to stop use of their bird feeders; the avian version of social distancing was put in place when 750 cases of the illness were discovered in 76 counties. Now that restrictions have been lifted, we can once again look at supplying for our feathered friends, and do so in a manner that both respects their health and supplements their culinary supplies during a time that might otherwise present scarcity.

If your zeal to share scientific information with the public carries through time when it is too cold to be out growing things, some work with Project FeederWatch might be for you! Check out www.feederwatch.org for more information about joining, feeders, and data the organization collects.

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In the event that feeding birds is prohibited in your county, the DNR advises you to:

According to the DNR, the sickness seems to be affecting particular areas, so people in Central Indiana should continue to abstain from feeding birds.

The counties of Allen, Carroll, Clark, Floyd, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Lake, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Porter, and St. have residents who should continue to keep their bird feeders inside. Joseph, Tippecanoe and Whitley.

The Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory examined the birds and found no evidence of avian influenza, West Nile virus, or other illnesses.

Hoosiers in 76 counties can now put their bird feeders back outside after more than a month of keeping them inside to stop the spread of an unidentified disease that is killing birds throughout Indiana, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced on Monday.

FAQ

Is it OK to feed birds in Indiana now?

One way to continue enjoying life outside is feeding birds. Armed with some basic information, you can help our feathered friends find food and find fun, yourself, as well. According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Hoosiers can once again feed birds.

Is it safe to have bird feeders out now?

However, feeding and providing water to wild birds is generally discouraged because the increased congregation of wild birds at bird feeders and bird baths may lead to fecal contamination of the local environment, which can aid in disease transmission.

Can I feed my birds yet?

Feed your birds all year if you can, but adjust the amount you put out. Feeding birds in the spring and summer may help them to raise their chicks more successfully. Remember, always put peanuts in a rigid mesh feeder, as large pieces of nut can choke baby birds.

Is it okay to feed backyard birds?

Feeding birds in backyards and parks can trigger disease epidemics by attracting high densities of birds, including species that rarely interact in the wild, says Sonia Hernandez, an associate professor of wildlife disease at the University of Georgia. It can also change their behavior.