Ticks go through multiple stages in their development, each one very specific and any interruption of the “right” sequence determines whether or not a tick goes on to spread to Lyme.
They’re not born infected, they get infected and then they hitch rides on whatever they can.
For whatever reason, the birds were the big issue, here.
Once I stopped having them congregate at feeders that was the end of the tick issue.
I had a really good site that explained it in great detail but for now, this should help, until I find the other site.
I still feed them, mostly in the winter when they need it, but only in the front yard where the dogs never go.
The reason I asked is because I feed the birds right by my house so I can birdwatch out my office window (along with my 3 cats ha!) and haven't had any issues (that I've noticed).
I let one of my cats, a manx, go outside periodically. He gets out there and rolls around and generally hangs out in the yard and never seems to get any ticks. Of course I treat him monthly with a topical so I'm sure that helps.
Anyway, thanks for the additional information. I'm still not quite clear on any connection though.