Bird Flu, ctd

 

It might be just me … it seems to me many warbling white eyes are dying in the northern part of Yokohama. The other day, I’ve met another sad bird lying on the asphalt. Dead. The reason why Kanagawa Prefecture does not inspect dead warbling white eyes is simple economics. Those large migratory birds with flu viruses are easy to spot when they mingle with chickens. And chickens are a source of income for chicken farmers. Thus, the Office records the incidences of dying large birds. But I’ve heard there is no definite answer if small birds, like warbling white eyes, can carry pathogens ... By the way, is it definite COVID-19 came from bats? … It would be better to prepare for the contingencies. First, when we try to know the latest of large outbreaks of bird flu in Japan, please check here, the HP of Ministry of Environment who compiles the national data of such things. And here is another doc from the Ministry to deal practically with bird flu in Japan.

Poor creature …

Wild Bird Society of Japan calls for attention regarding bird flu this year. Their blog details what to do with flu-death of birds. They recommend the flu-free way of birdwatching, like

1. Don’t go near the shore where many bird poops are accumulated;

2. After watching, wash the soles of your shoes and sanitize them with alcohol.

3. Don’t detour to chicken farms and zoo after birdwatching;

4. Don’t visit several birdwatching sites in one day;

5. Don’t do bird-watching in a place near an outbreak.

In any case, when you find a dead bird, call the nearby city office to report the incident. Also, NEVER touch dead birds. We know COVID has started (blah-blah-blah … sigh*) …

Nests of Asian house martin in Yadoriki.
Will they come back this spring?

Then, last weekend I’ve been to Yadoriki and met lots of healthy birds singing, flying, and doing the things birds’ do. It may be Yadoriki is still bird-flu free. Let’s keep our fingers crossing …

Japanese wagtail, a Japanese endemic species, in Yadoriki.
They are designated as “Bird of Town” by Matsuda Town.

Black-backed wagtail in Yadoriki.
Yadoriki community is home for lots of wagtails.
That day we also met Grey wagtail.
In Saitama Prefecture,
people found Black-backed wagtails are
robbing the breeding ground for
Japanese wagtail and Grey wagtail ... concerned ...

If you find environmental issues in Kanagawa Prefecture, please make a contact with Kanagawa Natural Environment Conservation Center 神奈川県自然環境保全センター

657 Nanasawa, Atsugi City, 243-0121
〒243－0121　厚木市七沢657
Phone: 046-248-0323

You can send an enquiry to them by clicking the bottom line of their homepage at http://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/div/1644/