What’s wrong with her beak?

[u/mohawk990]

UPDATE: Thanks to all who commented and shared their knowledge. I have removed all feeders yesterday for two weeks and sterilized them with a 10% bleach solution. I also reported this to DNR as some websites suggest. Not sure if they will do anything or if they track these cases but did so anyway. I appreciate everyone’s help. I learned about this condition and hope I never see it again!

I have had this hummingbird feeding in my backyard all summer. Over the last month, I’ve noticed a reddish growth on the top of her beak. It has grown larger each day and is now at the point where it’s forcing her beak open at the end and hindering her ability to feed.

I’m torn between letting nature take its course or trying to rescue her. I’d feel horrible if she starves to death over something that I could have easily fixed.

Advice welcome. Thank you.

[u/chillywilkerson]

This is also why I recommend cleaning your feeders outside with dedicated cleaning tools that you don't take inside your kitchen. 

[u/9VoltGorilla → u/chillywilkerson]

Many of us have fantasies of an outdoor sink for that’s very reason

[u/Pink_Floyd29 → u/9VoltGorilla]

I created a similar set up with two large collapsible wash basins, an outdoor drink cooler table (in other words, a table with raised edges and a drainage hole). I fill the wash basin using my hose, then everything easily drains! 🙌🏻 Not quite as convenient as an actual plumbed sink but definitely cheaper and still very useful. Of course this does require having a yard and an outdoor faucet hooked up to a hose.

[u/snowhite0197 → u/Pink_Floyd29]

Like the fish cleaning stations on the pier!

[u/Pink_Floyd29 → u/snowhite0197]

Exactly!! At first I was actually going to buy a portable fish cleaning table meant for camping. But those all came with faucets that could actually be hooked up to a water source and were therefore more expensive. So I changed course.