As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Monday, 8 May 2017

Nearly 400 birds killed after flying into Texas skyscraper in storm

Nashville and Blackburnian warblers among birds of more than 20 species that hit American National Building, possibly after mistaking lights for moon or sun

Nearly 400 migratory birds of brilliant plumage were killed when they smashed into an office tower in Texas while flying in a storm, officials said on Friday.

Workers arrived at the American National Building, the tallest skyscraper in downtown Galveston, on Thursday morning. They found the birds with feathers of blue, green, yellow and other hues dead on the ground, said Josh Henderson, animal services supervisor for Galveston police.

More than 20 species were among the 395 birds that died, Henderson said. The biggest group was Nashville warblers, followed by Blackburnian Warblers.

Three surviving birds were taken to a wildlife center.

The birds were coming from Central and South America and arrived in the coastal city of Galveston, probably fatigued from their flight over the Gulf of Mexico. The birds migrate to several areas across North America during the warmer months of the year.

Continued

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