Backyard bird feeding could be a bird flu 'superspreader'. An expert explains - The Conversation

["Jack Hunter via Canberrabirds " <>]

On that note, what is the general consensus regarding bird baths? We currently have five of different shapes and sizes around the yard in a way that caters for the needs of different birds. Water is changed daily, baths are likewise fully scrubbed regularly. 

We also live near waterways and dams frequented by horses, livestock, roos, swans etc. Even though our baths pose a risk, is it better to keep them in rotation as a healthy alternative, or given the nearby dams etc are they just inevitably going to become a vector? 

We’ve talked about slowly rolling them back, but it’s hard to know what the right thing to do is. Going to be a scorching summer… 

On Wed, 26 Aug 2026 at 1:38 pm, Denise Kay via Canberrabirds <> wrote:

It certainly is a difficult one…ACT Wildlife is about to start a campaign asking people to refrain from feeding birds. Our social media person is already spreading the word however there are so many different communication channels these days getting the message across to everyone is hit and miss.

I came across a neighbour who was feeding Sacred Ibis one day and Sulphur crested the following day…a recipe for disaster. Most of us don’t like confrontation but if we can get a flyer done we can distribute to schools/workplaces etc.

Bird baths are another hot topic on our Facebook page. 

Kind regards

Denise

On 26 Aug 2026, at 12:52 pm, Kim Farley via Canberrabirds <> wrote:

Hi Rob

This one is difficult one. People will insist that they are "helping" birds by feeding them. Since people will continue feeding birds, and it is not illegal to do so, the best we can do is seek to inform them, and also try to persuade them to at least feed more appropriate foods. I like, and refer people, to this web page https://birdlife.org.au/a-guide-to-feeding-wild-birds-in-australia/. It explains the situation well and has info about appropriate feeding. Not suggesting you necessarily send your neighbour the webpage, but it will arm you with some solid and positively focussed info. 

And yes, Bird Flu is making the whole matter of feeding more critical. 

Kim

On Wed, Aug 26, 2026 at 12:23 PM Rob Geraghty via Canberrabirds <> wrote:

How do I convince my neighbour to stop feeding birds? L

Bird flu aside, it is increasing the transmission of beak and feather disease amongst the parrots.

 

From: Canberrabirds [ On Behalf Of David McDonald (Personal) via Canberrabirds
Sent: Tuesday, 25 August 2026 11:54 AM
To: Canberrabirds list <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Backyard bird feeding could be a bird flu 'superspreader'. An expert explains - The Conversation

 

Hi. I found an article that you might like: "Backyard bird feeding could be a bird flu ‘superspreader’. An expert explains" — https://theconversation.com/backyard-bird-feeding-could-be-a-bird-flu-superspreader-an-expert-explains-290317

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