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People have a lot of diseases and illnesses that they have to worry about. From the typical flu to advanced stages of cancer, humanity has a lot on its plate. The last thing needed was another disease to worry about. But unfortunately, in 1997, a disease that affected only birds crossed over and began infecting humans. The bird flu is not a new disease. It has been a constant worry for people who raise birds because it can be spread from wild birds to domesticated birds. It now is something that the entire world has to contend with.

It is pretty common for wild birds to carry the bird flu in their intestines. It does not usually manifest itself and lies there dormant. There are times though when the disease is passed from wild birds to their domesticated cousins. It can be passed through saliva, feces or other bodily secretions. When wild birds use the feeders of domesticated birds, they leave behind the virus. In the low pathogenic variation of the avian influenza it might just cause the bird to have some ruffled feathers or slow egg production. However, in the high pathogenic variation death is almost certain for the bird.

The problem with containing and eradicating the virus is that a wild bird comes into contact with a wide expanse of area. It increases the range in which researchers have to work to clear the virus. The Center for Disease Control's website has a very detailed section regarding this growing problem. With more humans coming down with avian influenza, it worries the rest of the world. The virus spreads very quickly and if it should become a common human contagion, the world could be looking at serious repercussions. Luckily, most cases of avian influenza in humans has resulted from coming into direct contact with a contaminated bird. And even then the odds are quite low of becoming infected. As of yet there have not been any confirmed cases of the virus being passed from one human to the next.

The best place to learn more about bird flu and find out about any recent cases is from the Center for Disease Control, at www.cdc.gov. The website has lots of detailed information on the latest breakout of avian influenza and can tell you how to best protect yourself in case your birds become infected. Avian influenza may have infected a small percentage of the population, but it is still something that you need to know about.

Birds are everywhere. For bird watchers this is a fabulous thing. Bird watchers enjoy spotting new bird species to cross off their checklist. It not only gives them something to research but it also gives them the opportunity to get outside and interact with nature. This is a hobby that is growing in popularity and it is doing tremendous good in educating the public about how easily mankind can wreck havoc on nature. As a bird watcher you have the opportunity to really see how mankind interacts with wild animals in a natural setting.

There are many times that you can easily identify birds based on their size. The ostrich is very easy to spot. You may not find them outside of a zoo or a ranch unless you live in Africa but at least you do not need a pair of binoculars to see them. Hummingbirds, on the other hand, are incredibly difficult to spot. That is why most people utilize hummingbird feeders in order to see these super fast, and super small creatures.

If you are a real fan of birds, then you will undoubtedly take steps to attract them to your garden or yard. Even if you live in an apartment with a small patio or balcony you can still find bird feeders to lure certain species in. But you need to take into consideration the type of bird you want to attract. If you are hoping to attract a blue bird then you do not need a feeder that caters to swallows. The more that you put into researching the type of bird you want around your home, the more you will know about their particular eating habits. One further note: make sure that you buy bird feeders that squirrels cannot get into.

Birds bring countless joy to many people. It does not matter if it is a wild bird or a domesticated bird. The beautiful colors and different songs that a bird can produce, depending on its species, is something that many people enjoy immensely. The next time you are outdoors, look to nearby branches or the skies and maybe you can see a bird or two. It may just kickstart a lifelong hobby for you and your family.