Beached Bird Surveys
 Seabirds are especially sensitive to petroleum and other pollution, because the physical properties of oil degrade the insulating and waterproofing properties of feathers. Ingestion of oil (often when preening oiled feathers) or inhalation of oil can also poison birds. Because of the large amount of shipping traffic offshore, the SEANET partners are interested in exploring the great risk to seabirds from both large spill events and small-scale discharge of waste from boats or other sources. We are interested in determining baseline levels of mortality and possible correlation to the occurrence and distribution of other threats such as diseases, entanglements, and biotoxins from harmful algal blooms. Beached bird surveys can provide baseline mortality data that can be used to assess impacts of coastal and offshore developments such as wind farms. Even in the absence of regular beached bird surveys, we are interested in reports from birders about dead birds washing up on shore in large numbers.
 Ongoing efforts in other regions serve as valuable models for the SEANET initiative. With COASST in Washington and Oregon and Bird Studies Canada in Nova Scotia, we have produced an Atlantic coast field guide to beached birds, available now by emailing Julie Ellis or calling the SEANET office at 508-887-4933.
We welcome participation of interested citizens, birders, wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, and researchers
For Volunteers
For Rehabilitators and Veterinarians
|
