These New York Birds Aren’t Dead, They Are Drunk!

In New York, and across the United States, people are noticing a disturbing sight as they venture outdoors. They are seeing, what appears to be, dead birds resting peacefully on dried up sunflowers. What is causing these birds to die on these flowers?

Upon closer look, the birds that have been spotted on these sunflowers have not met the end of the road. They are not dead at all. What folks are actually seeing are birds that are drunk!

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According to the National Audubon Society, as winter turns to spring, berries and seeds start to thaw and birds like to enjoy a snack. Problem for the birds is that these berries have fermented. After eating, the birds are known to "sleep it off" on sunflowers.

When you are out on a hike or outside in the yard and you see, what you think is a dead bird leave it alone. It's most likely riding out time spent at Club Sunflower. Check out this video.

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A post shared by Meera Nandlal (@meerasanimaltribe)

According to the New York State Department of Health, a drunk bird is quite different from the serious nature of the avian flu. In the last 3 years avian influenza has been detected is a variety of wild birds in New York.

Whether you think a bird is dead or just drunk, do not touch birds with your bare hands. Wear gloves, use a towel or shovel to move the bird if needed. Wash your hands after handling a dead bird or, better yet, don't touch it at all.