These are images that I think may illustrate the fungus problems with our hummingbirds. I took several hundred photos of this bird today and during the whole time it could not retract its tongue. It is still very active but after watching it I fear that it is sick. I asked Donna Haynes to give me a description of this problem --- her explanation is as follows: The fungus comes from feeding at a feeder that is dirty, where black mold has been allowed to grow. Of course I know yours are spotless. The fungus makes the tongue swell, eventually making it impossible for the hummer to retract its tongue. Near the end the bird will begin to have trouble breathing and show signs of labored breathing. It seems to be a quite distressing death. Birds with this fungus tend to sit with their bills pointed up also. From what I understand, once the bird is infected with the fungus, it can contaminate even clean feeders and a good bleach water soak is in order. I would like to see the photos and with your permission use them as an educational tool for a few posts on different sites (if it is in fact the fungus.) Sorry you have a little guy having a hard time.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 01:50:04 +0000
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