Bird Watchers Asked To Be On The Lookout

(Undated) — The Iowa D-N-R is asking bird watchers statewide to be on the alert for any unusual behavior they may spot with the health of songbirds. There’s a sharp uptick in reports of sick or dead songbirds being found in the Mid-Atlantic states with reports as far west as Indiana. State wildlife veterinarian, Rachel Ruden, says the birds had either swollen or crusty eyes and neurologic signs like twitching or what people might consider seizures. She says they have had no reports of such activity in Iowa. The cause of the bird illnesses and deaths remains a mystery. If you spot five or more birds with eye troubles or neurologic signs like disorientation, tremors, and loss of balance, contact Ruden at rachel.ruden@dnr.iowa.gov.