Regarding the bird deaths, there is a good chance that global warming will increase incidents such as this since warm weather triggers production of the toxin by bacteria in the soil and warm water. Outbreaks decline with rain and cooler weather.
65-Year-Old Bird Hatches Her 30th Baby
The world’s oldest known wild bird has become a mother yet again at the age of 65, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Laysan albatross, known as Wisdom, was first tagged in 1956 and has been monitored as she has reared more than 30 chicks and flown over 3 million miles during her lifetime.
Wisdom is currently raising her chick Kukini, which means “messenger” in Hawaiian, on Midway atoll in the central Pacific.
Her mate, Akeakamai, or “lover of wisdom,” was sitting on the nest when the chick hatched on February 1.
New Zealand – Botulism Among Wetland Birds
Hundreds of birds in a South Auckland wetland have been killed in a botulism outbreak.
The Department of Conservation and Fish and Game are working with the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre to contain the outbreak.
The wetland is home to tens of…
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