Are you putting out birdseed this winter? There are some steps you can take to help protect the birds that visit your feeder.

According to the DNR, birds have incredible adaptations that help them survive the winter but it can still be a stressful time for them. Some birds store food from feeders to eat later in the winter and others expand their food sources and change their diets to survive.

Michigan residents can help provide for winter birds by putting out birdseed. There are some steps residents should take to make sure they’re keeping birds safe.

The DNR suggests people who feed birds follow these tips:

• Keep your bird feeders and birdbaths fresh and clean throughout winter. Freshen the water every other day, if possible. Clean your feeders once every one to two weeks in a 9:1 solution that is nine parts water and one part bleach, scrubbing away any debris. Dry the feeder before refilling. Clean bird baths with a scrub brush in a 9:1 solution of water and vinegar.

• Don’t place seed directly on the ground or use platform feeders, which tend to attract larger numbers of birds, deer and other unwanted guests. Mess-free birdseed options can help keep the ground clean.

The DNR said that those tips are important to follow year-round, but are more important than ever now that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus is still circulating among the wild bird population.

Most HPAI cases have been found in waterfowl and scavenging birds. The DNR is continuing surveillance efforts and will test wild birds from die-offs that involve six or more birds.

Learn more:

What is HPAI?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a very contagious virus that can be spread between flocks through contact with infected birds, equipment, or the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

One of the major indicators of HPAI is sudden death and high death losses. Sick birds may show neurological signs like difficulty walking, lack of appetite, low energy, or lack of vocalization.

You might notice a significant drop in egg production, swollen combs, wattles, legs, or head. They could also have diarrhea, nasal discharge, sneezing, or coughing.

Ducks and geese are considered carriers, but geese generally do not pass on bird flu.

How to protect domestic birds

The Michigan DNR has offered the following steps to protect the health of birds you care for:

• Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.

• Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.

• Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.

• Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.

• Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.

• Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.

• Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Can humans get HPAI?

Yes. While it primarily affects birds, it is a zoonotic disease and can potentially pass from domestic or wild animals to humans.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with HPAI remains low, but advises people to avoid handling any sick or dead wild birds.

How to report possible cases of bird flu

Domestic bird owners and caretakers should keep an eye out for sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or an increase in sick birds.

If you suspect birds you care for have avian influenza, you should contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).

Anyone who notices unusual or unexplained deaths among wild birds can report cases to the Michigan Department of Resources online using the Eyes in the Field app or by calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.