Posted by Brian Schultz on January 24, 2003

Q: There seems to be alot less america goldfinches around this year

Philadelphia Pa.

Is it possible that west nile virus has caused a reduction in their numbers

A: I don't know enough about the Philadelphia area's virus problems to know if

this is likely but there are several possibilities. One cause may be that

West Nile has made inroads on the American Goldfinch population as you

suggested. Keep in mind too that bird populations wax and wane depending on

a wide range of environmental factors so this may be the reason there are

fewer birds. Also, I always wonder if someone down the street/road has

started feeding the birds and is providing more food in a better setting

than I - this can pull "your" birds to another feeding station.

So far this year it has been an especially harsh winter in the East,

compared to recent winters, and birds are being affected in a variety of

ways. You may find there are different species visiting your feeder than

usual and also that numbers of birds has increased as well. When the ground

is frozen and covered with snow, your oasis of food must look mighty

attractive to even the most timid seed eater.

John Wiessinger ( January 26, 2003)