To the Editor:
There has been a notable decrease in the number of birds coming to my feeder this year, and my neighbors report a similar decrease. This could be due, in part, to a fungal disease caused by unclean feeders.
Some hummingbirds are contracting a fungus at unclean feeders which causes their tongues to swell and results in their death.
This link gives more details about how to clean feeders. www.vox.com/down-to-earth/416127/hummingbird-biodiversity-fungal-infection-feeders.
Please help spread the word: if you want to put up a hummingbird feeder, please commit to cleaning it and replacing the nectar every two to three days.
Joanne Strop
Waynesville