Bird Carcasses Along Pacific Are A Mystery

Climate change affects much more than just the weather.  It affects ocean temperatures, water levels, and the ocean food chain.  The carcasses of thousands of small birds called Cassin's auklets have been washing up ashore over the past year from Northern California to the north coast of Washington, and although scientists have not pinpointed the reason, climate change is considered one possibility

One possibility involves the unusually successful breeding season last year in the British Columbia.  Almost every breeding pair laid an egg that hatched, and as young birds flew south they may not have been able to find the small fish and shrimp that they normally feed on.

Pacific ocean water is warmer than usual.  This could touch off subtle change in the food chain that may make it harder for small birds to find sustenance.  But other birds are not dying at the unusual rates as the Cassin's auklet.  Possibly, birds are flying closer to the shore to find food.  Normally, the birds fly far out at sea to find food.  Spotters normally see one to two dead birds along a kilometer of beach.  Oregon spotters saw up to 30 dead birds per kilometer last November, then 115 dead birds per kilometer in December.

This is still considered a scientific mystery, but scientists feel that climate change is partially, if not totally responsible for this disaster.  What's happening in Northern California to Cassin's auklets, is happening to many other bird species.  Thank goodness we have rescue teams that are working diligently to save our wildlife.