[NatureNS] sick and dead mourning doves, was Storm Birds

References: <16E1930591864858A521CA0778770C3E@MartinPC>
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:19:42 -0400
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
From: David Christie <maryspt@nbnet.nb.ca>
Cc: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford@eastlink.ca>,
Precedence: bulk
Return-Path: <naturens-mml-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>
Original-Recipient: rfc822;"| (cd /csuite/info/Environment/FNSN/MList; /csuite/lib/arch2html)"

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At 8:06 PM -0400 11/23/08, James W. Wolford wrote:

>Martin lives north of Port Williams, King's Co.  His dead and sick 
>mourning doves are of great concern, and perhaps someone (Helene?) 
>out there in cyberspace can react in some way.
>
>Begin forwarded message:
>
>>From: Martin Thomas
>>
>>     The Mourning Doves deserve special mention. First this is the 
>>most we have ever seen at once. Second there have been at least 
>>three deaths around the feeders and several others are weak and 
>>only fly away when one is almost up to them. Dead ones seem not 
>>emaciated, even plump. Third, when not feeding they are on our 
>>drive (paved) and on the road. In both locations they are pecking 
>>at small particles, presumably grit. We wonder if the sudden onset 
>>of winter found them unprepared for feeder food and  unable to 
>>grind up the hard particles. The most that I have counted feeding 
>>at any one time is 44 but there are more in the evergreen trees 
>>that surround our property.


With these dead or weak doves that appear to be suffering from a 
disease (as opposed to being injured by hitting a window or vehicle, 
being attacked by a predator, etc.), I'd suggest sending any fresh 
specimens found to the wildlife pathology lab at the Atlantic 
Veterinary College in Charlottetown. They are likely to be interested 
in conducting necropsies. Contact Dr. Scott McBurney (tel. 
902-566-0959; e-mail SMCBURNEY@UPEI.CA ).

Two goldfinches that I sent them in September suffered from 
trichomoniasis, a parasite infestation of the digestive system which 
prevented them from getting much nourishment from the food they were 
eating. Other finches showed similar symptoms.

In general, Trichomaniasis is reported to be more usual in pigeons 
and doves, although the Charlottetown lab has apparently not found it 
in wild doves from the Maritimes. However, the birds' weakness and 
reluctance to fly that Martin describes is reminiscent of the 
behaviour of sick finches at my home during August and September.

David

-- 

David Christie
Mary's Point, Harvey, Albert Co., New Brunswick, Canada
http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt

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