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 13 August 2018

Seabird die-off has scientists on high-alert

Tuesday, August 7th 2018, 11:15 am AKDT
Updated: 
Tuesday, August 7th 2018, 4:46 pm AKDT
By Makayla Clark


The cause behind unusual bird behavior on Alaska's coastline has scientists on high alert.

Beginning in May, wildlife officials began receiving reports of dead and dying seabirds from the northern Bering and southern Chukchi seas, including in the vicinity of the Western Arctic National Parklands. 

National Park Service investigators found 100 carcasses in a 4-kilometer stretch of beach in late June, most of which were murres along the coast of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Although, investigators say other species were found there and in Cape Krusenstern National Monument. 

Scientists say the culprit is starvation-- but they don't know why. There has been no evidence of disease, and tests are pending to determine if birds were exposed to harmful algal toxins. 

A Facebook post from Alaska National Parks outlines the birds in question.

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