While we are not crazy bird watches and tree huggers, we do love out birds and follow what and who is in the yard and field all year long here in Texas. Well yesterday afternoon we had a large Blue Jay sitting in our "pond" which is not unusual. We had watched this family of mamma , poppa and two chicks all year. What was unusual was that after I did not see him/her move for a seemingly long time, I walked out to it and was able to get real close. He popped off into the Canna Lillies and out of site. So, today he was out front by the big mulberry tree on the ground, just sitting. Again I walked up to him and could see no signs he had been shot or injured. I did hear his partner up in the tree fussing at me. We kept watch on him and wife called the County health department and after a bit of question and answer period they determined that he probably had West Nile Virus, which has been confirmed in this and surrounding counties here in Texas and can be transferred to people and horses. Was told that if he died DO NOT touch him, to use a plastic bag as a glove and pick him up and secure him inside and either bury him deep or to dispose of so that nothing can get to him. As the dumpster was due to be emptied today, that was my plan. Sure enough, just after lunch he was on his side, gone. Ants had already found him . So, I got the plastic bag, and into the dumpster he went.. Did tell all the neighbors to keep watch. Durn it, we really love our birds, local and migratory, but,, Oh, well,, might check with your local area and see if you have been effected by West Nile.
|
