Re: [Maine-birds] Dead Barn Swallows

This isn't normal and is troubling. Barn swallows are long-lived birds that ought not be dying en mass. Birds are sentinel organisms and we need to listen to them. A mortality event like this is a real concern. You are likely only finding the tip of the iceberg. Odd for them to survive the winter and migration only to die at their nest site. It is time to reach out to a local agriculture extension, avian haven, and a qualified veterinarian.  

Did they build their nests as usual?  Two possibilities are their insect food source and the mud they use for nesting as a source of toxins and/or disease which I suspect is at the root. 

Swallows including martins have been in decline in the the northeast and Maritime provinces for some years now. 

Here is an article to read and perhaps contact the folks mentioned:  

http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1236869-researchers-seek-to-solve-puzzle-of-swallow-decline

I will continue to look into this matter. Others in the group ought to share their perspectives on swallows too. 

Best - Richard 

On Monday, June 8, 2015, Richard Harris Podolsky <richardpodolsky@gmail.com> wrote:

A few things to look for -

•has the flight path they take into and out of the barn changed in any way?  Specifically, are their any obstacles?  Collision deaths can cause broken beaks or necks or wing breaks in otherwise plump and healthy birds. Look for that.

•have you observed normal foraging flight behavior?  It has been cold and it's possible their aren't enough insects.

•do you or your neighbors use any pesticides?

•I suggest freezing the dead birds you find in a ziplock. I have heard of diseases in swallows before and last May I found dozens of barnys dead on the Dry Tortugas from what appeared to be disease given the number of stricken birds.

•finally contact Avian Haven or a vet who knows about song birds.

It is sad and upsetting to see long-lived birds die prematurely.

Please report back if you learn more.

Richard

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