I had a feeder situation a few months ago that didn't turn out as well. 
During the night the (blanketyblank) raccoons raided a tube style feeder 
and knocked it to the ground, popping the lid loose in the process. The 
next day, about mid-morning, I noticed the feeder and went out to refill 
and hang it back up. Unfortunately, inside was a dead dove who had 
become trapped while taking advantage of an easy meal. It was in perfect 
physical condition so I imagine it just scared itself to death. It was 
snug in the tube (like when you put a bird in a tube for weighing) and I 
had a heck of a time getting it back out.

The raccoons and I still aren't on speaking terms.

Good birding,
Chris Ordiway
Accokeek, MD


Steve Long wrote:
> I had a strange, near tragic event at my tube feeder.  I saw a young Gold Finch with its head in one of the feeding ports was not moving.  I first thought it was dead, but on closer look, saw it was breathing.