Since November, our phones and inboxes have been busy with a familiar and heartfelt question
from our community: Where are all the birds? Many people have noticed fewer visitors at their
feeders and quieter backyards overall.

Data from our recent Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) confirm what many of you have been
observing. We recorded unusually low numbers of some of our most common and beloved
species, including Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, American Robins, and Northern
Mockingbirds. So, what’s going on?

As with most things in ecology, the answer is likely not one single cause, but a combination of
factors. After consulting several birders and experts in the field, including WV state ornithologist
Richard Bailey, here are the leading hypotheses we’re considering.

Bird Flu or Another Disease
This is often the first concern people raise, and understandably so. However, avian influenza
primarily affects waterfowl and poultry, not songbirds. Additionally, we have not received
reports of sick or dead songbirds at feeders, which we would expect to see if disease were a
major factor. While wildlife illnesses are always monitored, bird flu or something similar is
unlikely to explain what we’re seeing.

A “High Mast” Year
Some years, trees produce an abundance of seeds and nuts, a phenomenon known as a high mast
year. When this happens, birds may spend more time foraging deep in the woods where food is
plentiful and predation risk is lower, rather than visiting backyard feeders. This explanation fits
well with the lack of feeder activity many people reported in November, though it may not fully
account for continued low numbers later in the season.

Strange Weather Patterns
Weather has likely played a significant role this year. November was unusually warm, which
may have delayed the arrival of some winter residents. Then came an abrupt and early cold snap
in December. That sudden shift likely pushed species like robins and mockingbirds farther south
and may have disrupted typical migratory patterns, meaning birds that would normally
overwinter here may have settled elsewhere.

Drought Conditions
Drought can reduce the availability of food and water across the landscape, affecting birds’
survival and movement. Even subtle changes in moisture can impact insect populations, berry
production, and habitat quality, especially for species already facing multiple stressors.

Natural Population Fluctuations
Like all wildlife populations, birds experience natural highs and lows. These fluctuations are
influenced by food availability, weather, habitat, and reproductive success. There’s no question
that human activity has reduced the overall carrying capacity for songbirds through habitat loss
and fragmentation. That said, a single year of low numbers does not necessarily indicate a long-
term decline. Repeated years of depressed populations, however, would be cause for concern.

So… Should We Be Worried?
Cautiously observant—but not panicked—is the best approach. Nature is dynamic, and birds are
remarkably adaptable. What matters most is what happens over time.

In the Meantime, What You Can Do?
Even in years when bird numbers feel low, there are meaningful ways you can support birds and
help us better understand what’s happening:

• Keep feeders clean and well-maintained.
  Regularly clean feeders with a mild bleach or vinegar solution and provide fresh seed to
  reduce the risk of disease transmission, especially during periods of stress (like a big
  snow).
• Offer fresh water year-round.
  Birds need reliable water for drinking and bathing in all seasons. Heated birdbaths can be
  especially valuable during freezing temperatures.
•  Plant native species.
  Native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers provide the insects, seeds, and shelter birds rely on
  far more than non-native plants. Even small changes in your yard can make a big
  difference.
•  Leave the leaves.
  Fallen leaves and natural debris provide critical overwintering habitat for insects, which
  in turn support birds, particularly in early spring.
• Reduce window collisions.
  Apply window decals, screens, or other bird-safe treatments to help prevent collisions,
  one of the leading causes of bird mortality.
• Participate in community science.
  Programs like the Christmas Bird Count, Project FeederWatch, and Climate Watch help
  researchers track long-term trends. Your observations, especially during unusual years, is
  incredibly valuable.
• Stay curious and keep observing.
  If you’re noticing changes in bird activity, you’re not alone, and your observations matter.
  It takes many observers and observations to establish a pattern.