I have two feeders one with BOSS, the other has nyger seed. I had a flocks of chikadees and finches. They suddenly left, occasionally I will see a few of each come to the feeders, they peck a little then leave. My trees are full of birds. Should I empty the feeders, and add new seeds? I don't know exactly how I should clean the feeders, the seeds aren't old. We did have a few slight showers last week, is it possible they may be tainted? I have no idea. I would also love to attract the tiny little birds I see in the trees. I don't know what type of feeder or seed. They certainly are not hummers, I can't see them that close, they appear to be dark in color. Also I have some cardinals that cannot feed in my cage feeder, but I also have a huge grackle problem. How should I feed my cards? I live in South Texas. Thank You!

i had one pair of house finches bring their babys 4 of them last week but they have went somewhere. Had one downey yesterday and a Lewis's woodpecker the day before. only kinds in big numbers are the bullocks orioles and the western tanagers and lots of red wing blackbirds and some grosbeaks. one lone juniper titmouse comes occasionally. and the hummingbirds are rare this year. should have lots of little orioles and tanagers soon as they are nesting now

Yes, it is extremely sad 2 c them struggle. I clean my feeders with bleach once a month. I should probably do it more often. I have not seen any sick birds this summer. I did c a sick yellow finch 2 years ago and it is heartbreaking. I am so glad u caught them and had them euthanized (sp) its better than them suffering. Karen

Hi Lisa, I really know nothing about bird illness. The only thing I could think of was the relatively sudden change of air temperature (it's been the same here in Massachusetts - unseasonably COLD - but I bet it's even colder where you are). I did read that sudden changes in air temperature can affect birds' energy levels (a study done in Scotland). But I don't know whether the way your bird looks could be explained by something like that. Our birds here are still pretty lively and doing the usual things. Is the bird eating or drinking? Is it losing feathers? I wish that I could be more helpful. Would the Cornell Lab of Ornithology site have information? They seem to be a good place to refer to. Best of luck, I know you care so much about the birds.