BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Birding Birding and West Nile Virus

Have you changed your birding habits because of the West Nile Virus? Do you take more precautions to protect yourself when you're out? Do you feed more birds, to help provide more "indicators" just in case the virus is in your area?

The West Nile Virus is definitely in my neighborhood...a dead crow, found 2 blocks over, tested positive. The virus has been a threat here for several years now. Mostly, we take extra precautions by using mosquito repellant generously. And if the kids are outside on the trampoline after dark, I spray the area with Yard Guard first.

I haven't changed my feeder routine. I just hope the birds in my yard manage to avoid the virus. I think thats about all I can do... <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I figure the best we can do is keep the birds healthy so they have more of a chance of surviving the virus. They're already going to get it or not get it based on the luck of nature.

Have you put up any bat houses? I have two bats in my back yard and am thrilled to watch them eating the mosquitoes <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />