Pine siskins afflicted with salmonellosis

Many pine siskins have been seen ill or found dead around local bird feeders lately. The culprit is the salmonella bacteria, to which they are very susceptible.

As a precaution, take bird feeders down and stop filling them. If feeders are kept filled, clean them every two days. A 10% bleach solution with detergent works best. Rinse well and let dry before filling. Raking and rinsing the ground under feeders helps too, since the bacteria are in the bird's droppings. Even though siskins usually don't feed on the ground, it protects other birds.

Source: Fine Feathered Friends