If you have a feeder or are thinking of having one this season, you must disinfect it BEFORE you refill it, religiously.
I use a bleach and dish soap
mixture to scrub the whole unit, inside and out, using a bottle brush to get in the crannys; then, rinse it completely, letting it dry before refilling. I consider it my responsibility for having the pleasure of watching birds come to feed at my station. Here’s the feeder I use.
I also have a screen platform underneath the feeder to catch seed so other birds and cuties like this who don’t perch can eat, too.
HAPPY FEEDING!