RESIDENTS FINDING LOCAL BIRDS IN TROUBLE  

Fri., February 16, 2007

The recent weather pattern of extended warming followed by extreme cold, winter storm has made it difficult for ground and berry feeders like many of our local songbirds. This week, the Ohio Wildlife Center ’s Wildlife Hotline (614-793-WILD) has been overwhelmed with calls about weak and dying American robins (about 75% of calls). Species such as the Carolina Wrens and Eastern Bluebirds, among others, are also affected by this sudden problem.

Concerned residents are finding birds on their porches, in driveways and lying in the snow. There are several known spots in Dublin and Columbus , like Muirfield Drive , where whole flocks have collided with cars while trying to make it to berry bushes and trees on medians and berms.

OWC Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Donald Burton, urges drivers to obey speed limits and not to expect birds to necessarily fly out of their way, as they are weakened and tend to react slowly.

Residents can help these insectivores by providing warm water and food in their lawn areas away from traffic.

Examples of these food items are:

• chopped berries
• chopped raisins
• currents  
• chopped suet
• other chopped, dried fruit

It is advised not to throw the food on the ground in the snow, but instead to put it up on a tray under cover, if possible.  It’s also very important that the birds are provided with a water source as well. 

The birds use about 10-12% more energy to melt the snow than if they drink provided water, according to OWC education director, Barbara Ray . They also need to bathe to keep their feathers in excellent condition, which allows them to stay warm and dry.  Providing birds with a heated (or regularly changed) water source to keep the water from freezing, will help these birds stay alive and warm.  

The pan should be shallow, or contain stones so the birds do not find themselves sitting in deep, cold water. Again, make sure that the water and food is away from traffic.

Residents should call the OWC hotline (614-793-WILD) if they become aware of any weak or dying birds.  

READ MORE IN THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH 

Over 90 birds have been counted as casualties on Muirfield Drive in Dublin. The birds are attracted to falling berries on the warm pavement, and don't necessarily fly out of the way of traffic.  Residents are urged to slow down, and place food and warm water sources in their yards so they stay away from traffic.

Death from starvation.  

  Foraging for food on the median - a dangerous situation. 

The crabapples are a common food source for American Robins; but with the cold weather, the crabapples freeze, making it difficult to eat.  

Two Robins fighting over the same crabapple.  It is thought that one bird had probably started to thaw the crabapple, so it is more enticing than the two on the ground.

March 8, 2007:

Dozens of rehabilitated robins have been released in the Columbus area.  Most recently, 7 robins were released at Dublin City Hall with the help of interested residents, a city official and eager media representatives. These robins quickly flew to nearby trees and happily adjusted back to the wild!

February 20, 2007

• February robins admitted to OWC hospital: 79

• Number of robins dead on arrival: 26/79

• Number of robins who survived: 29/79

• Approximately 50% survival rate

Thanks to the public's help and awareness, (as well as the warmer weather, finally!!), the OWC hospital is seeing a great improvement over the last week. We're seeing the number of fatalities decreasing here in the clinic, and many of the robins  are getting stronger and stabilizing. 

We've had reports of citizens coming together to place food and water sources away from roads. This is GREATLY appreciated!  Your concern and outreach in this matter is powerful.  We'll keep you updated on the situation.  In the meantime, keep up the good work! 

Message from OWC founder, Dr. Don Burton: 

"I was amazed about the response of Dublin and Columbus citizens to the difficult plight of these robins. On Saturday, we found numerous feeding stations on both sides of the road [of Muirfield Drive] placed by Dublin residents.  While we were standing there near the road, one citizen stopped, opened the window and offered a suet cake for the birds.  Other residents were clearing snow, cutting up suet and placing feeding stations away from the road." 

THANK YOU!