Date: 11/5/25 9:04 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: Abnormal hummingbird
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Robert O'Brien <baro...>
Date: Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Abnormal hummingbird
To: Charles Hesselein <chazz...>
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...> 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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