Within the last 5 weeks we've had 4 dead doves in our backyard. The first one April 13thttp://birdbreath.com/blog/index.php?paged=4 . 2 more tonight - each in different places.

None seem to exibit any kind of trauma, like from a cat, hawk or whatever.

Has there been any outbreaks of bird diseases? Particularly dove...

This is really very (sad and) weird.....

Robert
BirdBreath
"Life from a different point of view"

The most obvious reason is that someone has been putting somekind of weed killer on thier lawn,because Doves are ground feeders.

Alan~S Cal

you might consider reporting this to your local health department?

Ruth
Everett, WA
Zone 8

Thanks Alan and Ruth. Good points. I'll call our local city government animal control.

We've had Clark pest control for over a year with no problem. I use only fertilizer on the yard and have never had a problem.

I normally just rinse the feeder and water dishes. I think I'll try a very mild solution of bleach in case there are any problems with diseases.

It's so strange and sad....

Robert
BirdBreath
"Life from a different point of view"

Robert, the birds don't have to be coming into contact with a pathogen or poison in your yard - there might be a pest control program going on somewhere else where the birds are picking up poisoned grain, for example. They just happen to die in your yard, perhaps. Thoroughly cleaning your feeders on a regular basis is always a good idea, though.

Jill

Benton, ME
Canon Digital Rebel XT
Canon EF70-300 F4-5.6 IS USM

Thanks Jill. I will completely clean them tomorrow and add that as a regular routine.

As for checking out, I would just prefer that they did that in someone ESLE's yard.....

Robert
BirdBreath
"Life from a different point of view"

Robert, this is very sad. I'm really sorry this is happening in your yard. I would be very upset to see that. I love watching the mourning doves.

Carol

Carol R
Tennessee
USDA Hardiness Zone 7
Heat Zone 7

Tonight I found our 6th dead dove behind these bins.

Until this year, the only ones have been the result of cats or hawks. I have no idea what is going on.



Robert
BirdBreath
"Life from a different point of view"

Robert, I would probably call my local Wild Birds Unlimited store and ask if anyone else had reported having a similar problem.

Carol

Carol R
Tennessee
USDA Hardiness Zone 7
Heat Zone 7

Thanks Carol. I'll do that.