[Tweeters] Fwd: Abnormal hummingbird

[Robert O'Brien via Tweeters]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Robert O'Brien <baro at pdx.edu>
Date: Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Abnormal hummingbird
To: Charles Hesselein <chazz at hesselein.com>


I have a single observation of this malady in 50 years of feeding
hummingbirds here, SE of Portland.  So it is rare and I would not worry
about taking down feeders.  Some years ago there was a brief period of
reporting the malady on Tweeters and/or OBOL.  These reports only lasted a
short period. With the spread-bill problem I don't believe the hummers are
able to feed and expire fairly soon, not spreading the disease further.
Observation of the malady is certainly distressing, I can attest to that.
Bob OBrien  Portland

On Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 1:20 PM Charles Hesselein via Tweeters <
tweeters at u.washington.edu> wrote:


>         This morning I discovered a hummingbird coming to my feeders with

> its beak splayed open at the tip and its tongue fully extended. It returned

> to the feeders several times and at no time did it close its beak or pull

> in its tongue. It did appear to be feeding, successfully fending off other

> hummers and flying in a coordinated manner. My question is could this be a

> congenital issue or is it likely caused by a disease organism? If disease,

> I suppose I should take my feeders down to minimize the possibility of

> contagion.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Chazz Hesselein

> Port Orchard, WA

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