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Birding/tumors on the eyes of house finch

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 11/6/2007


Question
Hello,
I saw a house finch flying around the back yard running into things. I was able to catch the poor thing and noticed tumors on both eyes and has lost about 95% of its vision. It also has a tumor on its foot. Can this be cured, and can it be transmitted to humans? I was going to keep in a bird cage so it knows where his food and water is. Do you think this would be humane?

Answer
Hi Dan. I am not an expert on this as my specialty is Bluebirds and other small cavity nesters, and they do not have this problem. It is some kind of virus or bacterial infection that Finches are suceptible to. Ask your local Audubon or Wildlife Department about it. I understand that it can be spread by dirty feeders and birdbaths. No, you should not keep it in a cage as this is against federal wildlife laws.

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Bluebird Bob Walshaw

Expertise

I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.

Experience

I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.

Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance

Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World

Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.

Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.

Past/Present Clients
Many

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