Another update on the songbird crisis. And, again, my novel and the news ...

If you click on the book cover below, it will take you to another audubon update. This article details the pathogens they have tested for and ruled out. It also points out that states that called for the removal of feeders have seen a reduction in outbreaks. This is good news.

We still do not know about pesticide contamination. I think seeds should be tested. I will continue to harrass DEEP and Audubon until I find out if they are testing seeds for fungus and pesticide contamination.

Also, more news that reminds me of my novel predictions! My novel revolves around dead fish and how a convergence of interrelated factors, notably corrosion of septic tank systems, contribute to  algae growth and the resulting fish death wave. If you tap on the picture of dead fish below, you will be taken to another article that discusses our nation's algae problems. This environmental hazard not only suffocates fish, but also harms our health in ways unrelated to fish. In fact, even passive interaction with the environment this polluted can impact your health. Tap picture beneath my book cover and read.

Although this all feels depressing, there's also positive news. Democracy is working again (for now). Our institutions are not broken. Environmental agencies are investigating dying songbirds. Information is being disseminated properly, so everyone is informed and can all take action. Environmental institutions are exploring solutions to the algae issues. When a liberal democracy is healthy, there's hope. Proper regulations put into place by the people, institutions created by the people, reign in myopic greed and work for the common good. 

If you've read my novel, you know that in my fictional story, set in the future, thoughtful restraint and proper oversight are subsumed by greed. We had lost our valid, liberal democracy.

Societal cost solutions require investigation, information dissemination, strong institutional involvement. Once democracy is weakened, then lost, corruption follows. Institutions are corroded or taken down. Greed and short term gain take precedence over long term thoughtful action.     

If you love wildlife, if you watch and feed birds, then make sure we continue to have a democracy. Support our institutions. Believe in science. This is not political, it's reality.