A large rookery near Rockport, Texas, is experiencing higher than typical mortality this breeding season. According to KRISTV.com, more than two dozen dead egrets were reported earlier this month, and while one or two dead birds is normal, the extent of the deaths has warranted an investigation. At the moment, no evidence has arisen to indicate any maliciousness; instead, it is believed the birds may be dying of heat or malnutrition brought on by lower food supplies during drought conditions.
Birds have many ways to keep cool during hot summer days, but severe droughts and other natural disasters can have a high toll. Nesting colonies, in particular, are at greater risk because of the need for greater resources to nourish a large number of hatchlings in the same area.
Have you noticed greater bird mortality during this record-breaking heat wave? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Great Egret
Photo © David Slater
Comments
A friend and I noticed a large number of blackbirds and blue jays dead in yards and along roadsides during the 2012 summer heat wave here in New Jersey. The birds looked to be well-fed and in good condition, and had not been attacked by cats or dogs. A local municipality attributed the deaths to the heat and drought conditions. Never saw much about it, perhaps because those birds are thought of as numerous.