whats happend to the finches

[cecil39]

we used to have lots of chaffinches and gold finches visit the garden, they were absent in the summer and we thought that they were off about the fields ect after their natural food, but now the colder weather has started they have not come back, except for a few that appear sick, they let us walk right up to them, or even aproach us, they look fluffed up and don't fly very far or high, i picked one up and it just lay its little head down and shut its eyes, i put it to sleep as it looked so ill, did i do wrong? would it have got better if kept warm,? it looked sort of messy about the face and beak, any comments please.

[JoolsTwo]

Call the RSPB - I haven't noticed this where we live - They may be able to answer you.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/contactus/

[cazzz1975]

on a similar note cecil I have also noticed a large absence of small birds (starlings, thrushes, blue tits ect) on the golf courses, they are dominated with rooks and ravens at the moment.

[redman41]

Not sure what part of the Country you live cecil but they may well have been poisoned.
There is plenty of food about for the Birds to eat at present but you can help by having Bird feeders spread around your Garden especially now Winter is approaching. They will also need good drinking water especially when the ground is Frozen. If you think Birds are being deliberately poisoned, contact nearest RSPB and/or local Police.

[LoftyLottie]

I know t hat greenfinches have been affected badly disease and that their numbers have been dramaticaly reduced.

We still have loads of chaffinches and gold finches and they appear to be OK.

http://www.rspb.org.u...rds/greenfinches.aspx

[LoftyLottie]

Apparently can affect other finches and sparrows as I have just read in my link.

[rowanwitch]

trichonomas features on autumnwatch last night spread in bird salivea...most important to keep all feeders clean to reduce spread but keep feeding

[cecil39]

thanks for your help everyone, i have looked on the website you gave jimjools and it was most helpfull, if a bit depressing, but i downloaded their questionnaire to fill in and send off, thanks again.