Questions and answers of general interest and consumer topics.

Q: I would like to know has there been a decline in the bird population in Fayetteville recently, I mean in the last three to four months? Up until the end of September, I could hardly keep feed in my bird feeders. My backyard was filled with rabbits, squirrels, pigeons and many different species of birds. Then they just disappeared. Now only a few wrens come infrequently. I have lived in Fayetteville for many years and have never experienced not having birds for this length of time. — K.R., Fayetteville

A: Adriana Quinones, executive director of the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, said she knows of no decline in bird population in this area.

“Here at the garden, we’re not seeing any less birds for this time of year than for any previous year,” Quinones said.

“What she’s probably seeing is the natural migratory behavior of birds,” Quinones said. “In the summer, they’re feeding and visiting bird feeders. As they migrate south, you’re going to see less and less of them. What this reader saw was probably natural.”

Quinones said she doesn’t know of any disease or other problem that would have contributed to a loss in the bird population.

Rodger Mullen

Live Wire seeks to answer questions of general interest and consumer topics. Initials are used to identify questioners when names are given. Contact Live Wire at livewire@fayobserver.com or at 486-3516.