PSA: as a veterinarian I have been following the avian influenza H5N1 (bird flu) problem. I wanted you to know that not only is the influenza killing birds – nationwide over the past 2 years, we’ve lost over 660 BALD EAGLES to it – but that the bird flu is being transmitted to CATS both through raw milk and now certain cat foods. The link below will help you know if the food you are feeding to your companion might be contaminated.

https://apnews.com/article/cat-pet-food-bird-flu-oregon-recall-06e944714a3e703cf4913f88533c6a33

It is the first day of winter! To me one of the best crimson displays of the holiday season is the bright red alert patch on the crown of the tiny male ruby-crowned kinglet. The alert patch is only seen when the male gets excited and instantly on guard.