An Epidemic Of Bird Ticks?

There does indeed seem to be an epidemic of Bird Ticks this winter in the Carolina Piedmont, and it's right on schedule.

For some super-close-up photos and intriguing information about these pesky ectoparasites, please visit the 15-21 January 2006 installment of "This Week at Hilton Pond," keeping in mind that some images from nature can be a little disturbing. The photo essay is accessible by clicking on the title above.

As always we include a list of birds banded during the period, including a partially albino American Goldfinch whose mug shot we took. These are also suggestions for how to deal with a tick-infested bird.

Happy Nature Watching!

BILL