environment

Filling up the birdfeeders is a spring ritual for many people, but this year is different. Michigan residents are asked to consider putting away bird feeders out of an abundance of caution to stop the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or “Bird Flu”.

The deadly disease is making its way through both domestic and wild birds throughout the state. Waterfowl, raptors, and scavenger birds are highly susceptible and have been particularly affected by the disease, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

There is not a widespread recommendation yet, but those who generally get a lot of blue jays, crows, or ravens at their feeders, or who have poultry, raptors, or waterfowl in the area, should exercise caution when feeding birds. The birdfeeders could contribute to disease spread.

For those who choose to keep bird feeders up, the DNR recommends cleaning them with a diluted bleach solution once per week, cleaning up any fallen birdseed, and not feeding wild birds near domestic flocks, like backyard chickens.

The DNR also wants to know about any unusual bird deaths so they can closely monitor the spread of Avian Influenza.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Step away from the chainsaw. It’s the wrong time of year to cut oak trees. Oak wilt is a serious disease that can devastate red oak and white oak trees and pruning oak trees can spread the disease.

James Wieferich, forest health specialist in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest Resources Division, warns, “The guidelines against pruning oak trees during this time are designed to help prevent the spread of this tree-killing disease to new areas. Once oak wilt gets started, it is expensive to successfully manage and will kill all nearby red oaks over time, if untreated.”

April 15^th to July 15^th is the highest risk period for the spread of oak wilt. The fungal disease can be spread quickly by beetles carrying spores of the fungus from tree to tree, using the wounds from pruning or storm damage.

Oak wilt presents as wilting from the top down and losing leaves. It spreads quickly and can take out a whole crop of oaks in a short amount of time.

If you suspect oak wilt on your property, you should contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has issued its annual reminder that there is no need to panic if you find dead fish in local waterways. Fish kills are common during the spring thaw.

Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division Research manager said, “Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill. As the season changes, it can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams and canals. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality.”

If you suspect that there is another reason for a die-off of fish, of course, give the DNR a call, but most of the time, finding a dead fish, turtle, frog, toad, or crayfish is more a part of the circle of life in Michigan than it is an environmental concern.

Shallow water with excess aquatic vegetation and soft bottoms tend to lead to fish kill. Sometimes the dead aquatic life is not noticed until spring when things thaw out and become more visible.

For more information on fish kills in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing. The public is welcome to report fish kills at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField; such reports are valuable to the DNR’s ability to manage the state’s aquatic resources. If you suspect a fish kill is due to non-natural causes, call the nearest DNR office or Michigan’s Pollution Emergency Alert System at 800-292-4706.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland