Thousands of dead migratory birds in the southwestern United States have scientists baffled, reports Algernon D’Ammassa for the Las Cruces Sun-News. “Unprecedented” numbers of dead birds have turned up in and around New Mexico in the last few weeks, and researchers aren’t yet sure why, Martha Desmond, an ecologist at New Mexico State University (NMSU), tells the Sun-News.

The phenomenon first gained notice when hundreds of dead birds were found at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on August 20 but has since spread across at least five U.S. states and four Mexican states, per the Sun-News.

Speaking with Kevin Johnson of Audubon, Desmond estimates that if dead birds continue to pile up the total could reach six figures. “We haven’t counted all the species yet, but there are lots of species involved,” she adds. Per Audubon, there have been reports of dead owls, warblers, hummingbirds, loons, flycatchers, woodpeckers and other species migrating south to escape the winter cold.

Notably, the region’s resident birds, such as roadrunners or quail, are not among the dead, according to the Sun-News.

Researchers are exploring whether the numerous fires burning along the West Coast might have a hand in the mass die-off, perhaps through smoke inhalation or dangerous route changes to avoid the blazes, reports Simon Romero for the New York Times. Other potential explanations identified by the Times include a sudden bout of cold weather that recently gripped portions of the Rockies and High Plains or a drought in the Southwest that has decimated the insects many migratory birds depend on for food.

Many of the dead birds collected by researchers appear emaciated and some even seem to have simply taken a nose-dive mid-flight. “They’re literally just feathers and bones,” Allison Salas, a graduate student at NMSU who has been collecting carcasses, wrote in a tweet quoted by Phoebe Weston of the Guardian. “Almost as if they have been flying until they just couldn’t fly any more.”

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/thousands-migrating-birds-drop-dead-across-southwestern-us-180975828/

Food shortages. Not getting sufficiently fit for the journey.

Bubblecar said:

Food shortages. Not getting sufficiently fit for the journey.

Habitat change likely, leading to the mass death of the insects they normally feed upon. A similar situation to the Shearwater deaths recently perhaps.

PermeateFree said:

Bubblecar said:

Food shortages. Not getting sufficiently fit for the journey.

Habitat change likely, leading to the mass death of the insects they normally feed upon. A similar situation to the Shearwater deaths recently perhaps.

It is all linked to anthropogenic climate change.

PermeateFree said:

Thousands of dead migratory birds in the southwestern United States have scientists baffled, reports Algernon D’Ammassa for the Las Cruces Sun-News. “Unprecedented” numbers of dead birds have turned up in and around New Mexico in the last few weeks, and researchers aren’t yet sure why, Martha Desmond, an ecologist at New Mexico State University (NMSU), tells the Sun-News.

The phenomenon first gained notice when hundreds of dead birds were found at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on August 20 but has since spread across at least five U.S. states and four Mexican states, per the Sun-News.

Speaking with Kevin Johnson of Audubon, Desmond estimates that if dead birds continue to pile up the total could reach six figures. “We haven’t counted all the species yet, but there are lots of species involved,” she adds. Per Audubon, there have been reports of dead owls, warblers, hummingbirds, loons, flycatchers, woodpeckers and other species migrating south to escape the winter cold.

Notably, the region’s resident birds, such as roadrunners or quail, are not among the dead, according to the Sun-News.

Researchers are exploring whether the numerous fires burning along the West Coast might have a hand in the mass die-off, perhaps through smoke inhalation or dangerous route changes to avoid the blazes, reports Simon Romero for the New York Times. Other potential explanations identified by the Times include a sudden bout of cold weather that recently gripped portions of the Rockies and High Plains or a drought in the Southwest that has decimated the insects many migratory birds depend on for food.

Many of the dead birds collected by researchers appear emaciated and some even seem to have simply taken a nose-dive mid-flight. “They’re literally just feathers and bones,” Allison Salas, a graduate student at NMSU who has been collecting carcasses, wrote in a tweet quoted by Phoebe Weston of the Guardian. “Almost as if they have been flying until they just couldn’t fly any more.”

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/thousands-migrating-birds-drop-dead-across-southwestern-us-180975828/

This would be worth keeping a watch on. We don’t want the same thing happening next year.

From the Guardian,

Long-distance migrants flying south from tundra landscapes in Alaska and Canada pass over America’s south-west to reach winter grounds in Central and South America. During this migration it is crucial they land every few days to refuel before continuing their journey.

Historic wildfires across the western states of the US could mean they had to re-route their migration away from resource-rich coastal areas and move inland over the Chihuahuan desert, where food and water are scarce, essentially meaning they starved to death. “They’re literally just feathers and bones,” Allison Salas, a graduate student at NMSU who has been collecting carcasses, wrote in a Twitter thread about the die-off. “Almost as if they have been flying until they just couldn’t fly any more.”

The south-western states of the US have experienced extremely dry conditions – believed to be related to the climate crisis – meaning there could be fewer insects, the main food source for migrating birds. A cold snap locally between 9 and 10 September could have also worsened conditions for the birds.

Any of these weather events may have triggered birds to start their migration early, having not built up sufficient fat reserves. Another theory is that the smoke from the wildfires may have damaged their lungs. “It could be a combination of things. It could be something that’s still completely unknown to us,” said Salas.

—-

305 found dead along a section of the Rio Grande in New Mexico, 85% of them violet-green swallows.

mollwollfumble said:

From the Guardian,

Long-distance migrants flying south from tundra landscapes in Alaska and Canada pass over America’s south-west to reach winter grounds in Central and South America. During this migration it is crucial they land every few days to refuel before continuing their journey.

Historic wildfires across the western states of the US could mean they had to re-route their migration away from resource-rich coastal areas and move inland over the Chihuahuan desert, where food and water are scarce, essentially meaning they starved to death. “They’re literally just feathers and bones,” Allison Salas, a graduate student at NMSU who has been collecting carcasses, wrote in a Twitter thread about the die-off. “Almost as if they have been flying until they just couldn’t fly any more.”

The south-western states of the US have experienced extremely dry conditions – believed to be related to the climate crisis – meaning there could be fewer insects, the main food source for migrating birds. A cold snap locally between 9 and 10 September could have also worsened conditions for the birds.

Any of these weather events may have triggered birds to start their migration early, having not built up sufficient fat reserves. Another theory is that the smoke from the wildfires may have damaged their lungs. “It could be a combination of things. It could be something that’s still completely unknown to us,” said Salas.

—-

305 found dead along a section of the Rio Grande in New Mexico, 85% of them violet-green swallows.

So easy to make a hard life, much harder. I hope good times compensate to make their extreme efforts to survive worth while.

Perhaps the deaths can not be directly attributed to the raging wildfires covering 3-4 states,
but what about the FIRE SUPPRESSANTS They’re Air-Dropping ON The Blazing Fires?

My concern isn’t so much the drenching issues, but in this case, the aerosol properties once it hits the fire?
What possible effect does it have on being deeply inhaled by strenuously flapping birds as they flee or fly anywhere near the area?

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Fire management agencies utilize millions of gallons
of chemicals on a wide array of ecosystems.
These chemicals are often applied in environmentally
sensitive areas that may contain endangered,
threatened, or economically significant
plant and animal species. Relatively little information
is available on the toxicity of these chemicals
to aquatic and terrestrial life. Less information
is available concerning impacts at the community
and ecosystem level. In addition, the
potential harmful effects of suppression chemicals
versus a catastrophic wildfire may be difficult
to differentiate.”

and

“Risk assessment for the toxicity of long-term
retardants to terrestrial wildlife indicated possible
adverse effects only to blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata),
wild turkeys (Melagris gallopavo), quail
(Callipela spp.), rabbits (Lepus spp.), and deer
(Odocoileus spp.). No harm effects to terrestrial
species were detected by the risk estimates for
firefighting foams. Finally, the likelihood of physical
injury to terrestrial species from applications
of fire suppression chemical is remote, since large
animals leave the area of a fire and small mammals
seek shelter in burrows.”

Ogmog said:

Perhaps the deaths can not be directly attributed to the raging wildfires covering 3-4 states,
but what about the FIRE SUPPRESSANTS They’re Air-Dropping ON The Blazing Fires?

My concern isn’t so much the drenching issues, but in this case, the aerosol properties once it hits the fire?
What possible effect does it have on being deeply inhaled by strenuously flapping birds as they flee or fly anywhere near the area?

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Fire management agencies utilize millions of gallons
of chemicals on a wide array of ecosystems.
These chemicals are often applied in environmentally
sensitive areas that may contain endangered,
threatened, or economically significant
plant and animal species. Relatively little information
is available on the toxicity of these chemicals
to aquatic and terrestrial life. Less information
is available concerning impacts at the community
and ecosystem level. In addition, the
potential harmful effects of suppression chemicals
versus a catastrophic wildfire may be difficult
to differentiate.”

and

“Risk assessment for the toxicity of long-term
retardants to terrestrial wildlife indicated possible
adverse effects only to blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata),
wild turkeys (Melagris gallopavo), quail
(Callipela spp.), rabbits (Lepus spp.), and deer
(Odocoileus spp.). No harm effects to terrestrial
species were detected by the risk estimates for
firefighting foams. Finally, the likelihood of physical
injury to terrestrial species from applications
of fire suppression chemical is remote, since large
animals leave the area of a fire and small mammals
seek shelter in burrows.”

Mostly they are afraid of being seen dressed in pink.

Besides the smoke, the heat will be a bit nasty for birds. I’ve watched birds such as rainbow bee eaters fly up to power lines to try and escape smoke and fire. Only to fall off dead.

Ogmog said:

Perhaps the deaths can not be directly attributed to the raging wildfires covering 3-4 states,
but what about the FIRE SUPPRESSANTS They’re Air-Dropping ON The Blazing Fires?

My concern isn’t so much the drenching issues, but in this case, the aerosol properties once it hits the fire?
What possible effect does it have on being deeply inhaled by strenuously flapping birds as they flee or fly anywhere near the area?

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Fire management agencies utilize millions of gallons
of chemicals on a wide array of ecosystems.
These chemicals are often applied in environmentally
sensitive areas that may contain endangered,
threatened, or economically significant
plant and animal species. Relatively little information
is available on the toxicity of these chemicals
to aquatic and terrestrial life. Less information
is available concerning impacts at the community
and ecosystem level. In addition, the
potential harmful effects of suppression chemicals
versus a catastrophic wildfire may be difficult
to differentiate.”

and

“Risk assessment for the toxicity of long-term
retardants to terrestrial wildlife indicated possible
adverse effects only to blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata),
wild turkeys (Melagris gallopavo), quail
(Callipela spp.), rabbits (Lepus spp.), and deer
(Odocoileus spp.). No harm effects to terrestrial
species were detected by the risk estimates for
firefighting foams. Finally, the likelihood of physical
injury to terrestrial species from applications
of fire suppression chemical is remote, since large
animals leave the area of a fire and small mammals
seek shelter in burrows.”

The birds were in an emaciated state, they were not getting enough food to keep them going. So fire suppressants would not be a major culprit as far as the birds were concerned, but I have wondered what effect they are having on the soils and vegetation.

PermeateFree said:

Ogmog said:

Perhaps the deaths can not be directly attributed to the raging wildfires covering 3-4 states,
but what about the FIRE SUPPRESSANTS They’re Air-Dropping ON The Blazing Fires?

My concern isn’t so much the drenching issues, but in this case, the aerosol properties once it hits the fire?
What possible effect does it have on being deeply inhaled by strenuously flapping birds as they flee or fly anywhere near the area?

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Fire management agencies utilize millions of gallons
of chemicals on a wide array of ecosystems.
These chemicals are often applied in environmentally
sensitive areas that may contain endangered,
threatened, or economically significant
plant and animal species. Relatively little information
is available on the toxicity of these chemicals
to aquatic and terrestrial life. Less information
is available concerning impacts at the community
and ecosystem level. In addition, the
potential harmful effects of suppression chemicals
versus a catastrophic wildfire may be difficult
to differentiate.”

and

“Risk assessment for the toxicity of long-term
retardants to terrestrial wildlife indicated possible
adverse effects only to blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata),
wild turkeys (Melagris gallopavo), quail
(Callipela spp.), rabbits (Lepus spp.), and deer
(Odocoileus spp.). No harm effects to terrestrial
species were detected by the risk estimates for
firefighting foams. Finally, the likelihood of physical
injury to terrestrial species from applications
of fire suppression chemical is remote, since large
animals leave the area of a fire and small mammals
seek shelter in burrows.”

The birds were in an emaciated state, they were not getting enough food to keep them going. So fire suppressants would not be a major culprit as far as the birds were concerned, but I have wondered what effect they are having on the soils and vegetation.

Fire retardants – composition

Long-term fire retardants are essentially fertilisers (ammonium and diammonium sulfate, and ammonium phosphate) with thickeners (guar gum) and corrosion inhibitors (for aircraft safety).

Sometimes a red-coloured pigment, made from iron oxide, is added so that those spraying can see where they have released the fire retardant.

Long-term fire retardants include:

Phos-Chek D75-F Phos-Chek D75-R.

Short-term fire retardant foams are made from a combination of wetting agents and foaming chemicals, mixed with water. These allow the water to penetrate surfaces more easily. Their usefulness is limited against high-intensity fires, where long-term retardants have proven more successful.

Short-term fire retardants include:

Ansul Silv-Ex Angus Forexpan S Phos-Chek WD-881.

Fire retardants – aqua gels

Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) can absorb high volumes of water relative to their own weight. In their concentrated powder form, SAPs can irritate eyes, airways and the skin. This does not occur after they have been mixed with water.

When SAPs are mixed with water, they produce a gel-like substance that acts as a barrier against evaporation resulting from heat. Gel fire retardants can be applied via aircraft or trucks as a firebreak, for direct suppression or for structure protection.
Polybrominated flame retardants

Polybrominated flame retardants (PBFRs) are a category of chemicals that are widely used in household and industrial items, including:

computers, electronics, electrical equipment and televisions textiles foam furniture insulating foams and other building materials.

They are sometimes also called fire retardants, but are quite different from the fire retardants described here and are not used in fighting bushfires.

Fire retardants – environmental effects Although little research has been done in this area, the current evidence does not suggest any significant effects of fire retardants on birds or mammals.

However, in Australia, long-term fire retardants have been observed to cause effects on some species of native plants (leading to low-level damage to new growth). Water plants and animals are more sensitive to the effects of fire retardants than terrestrial flora and fauna. Foams, in particular, can be moderately toxic to aquatic life. For this reason, pilots try not to apply fire retardants close to waterways.
Fire retardants – human health effects

Testing shows that the chemicals used in fire retardants can produce minor irritant effects. The concentrated powder may cause minor respiratory irritation to workers who are handling it. Once it is mixed into slurry, this irritation does not occur. Workers must wear gloves, goggles and dust masks when handling the powder.

Risk assessments carried out in the United States and Victoria have demonstrated that the risk of health effects is very low, even to people who are accidentally exposed to fire retardants during their application.
Fire retardants around water tanks

If you live in a fire-prone area and have a water tank, you should:

disconnect your water tank to prevent contaminated water from entering it install a first-flush diverter or make sure the first part of run-off after rain cannot go into your tank.

This will prevent any water run-off from your roof containing fire retardant from entering your tank. It will also prevent embers, ash and other contaminants from entering your drinking water.

If the fire retardant does enter your water tank, do not drink the water. High levels of ammonia and sulfate in water will make it smell terrible and taste salty. It will not be suitable as drinking water for humans or animals (pets or livestock).

Keep in mind that contaminated water can still be used for irrigation and firefighting purposes.
Cleaning up fire retardant residue

If aerial fire retardant or firefighting foam residue is present on your house and/or cars, use a mild detergent with water and brushes to scrub and dilute the dried residue, and flush it from the surfaces. Rinse with clean water. A follow-up with pressure washing may help, but should not replace scrubbing to remove the residue. Gloves and nonslip shoes should be worn, as it may be slippery.

roughbarked said:

PermeateFree said:

Ogmog said:

Perhaps the deaths can not be directly attributed to the raging wildfires covering 3-4 states,
but what about the FIRE SUPPRESSANTS They’re Air-Dropping ON The Blazing Fires?

My concern isn’t so much the drenching issues, but in this case, the aerosol properties once it hits the fire?
What possible effect does it have on being deeply inhaled by strenuously flapping birds as they flee or fly anywhere near the area?

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Fire management agencies utilize millions of gallons
of chemicals on a wide array of ecosystems.
These chemicals are often applied in environmentally
sensitive areas that may contain endangered,
threatened, or economically significant
plant and animal species. Relatively little information
is available on the toxicity of these chemicals
to aquatic and terrestrial life. Less information
is available concerning impacts at the community
and ecosystem level. In addition, the
potential harmful effects of suppression chemicals
versus a catastrophic wildfire may be difficult
to differentiate.”

and

“Risk assessment for the toxicity of long-term
retardants to terrestrial wildlife indicated possible
adverse effects only to blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata),
wild turkeys (Melagris gallopavo), quail
(Callipela spp.), rabbits (Lepus spp.), and deer
(Odocoileus spp.). No harm effects to terrestrial
species were detected by the risk estimates for
firefighting foams. Finally, the likelihood of physical
injury to terrestrial species from applications
of fire suppression chemical is remote, since large
animals leave the area of a fire and small mammals
seek shelter in burrows.”

The birds were in an emaciated state, they were not getting enough food to keep them going. So fire suppressants would not be a major culprit as far as the birds were concerned, but I have wondered what effect they are having on the soils and vegetation.

Fire retardants – composition

Long-term fire retardants are essentially fertilisers (ammonium and diammonium sulfate, and ammonium phosphate) with thickeners (guar gum) and corrosion inhibitors (for aircraft safety).

Sometimes a red-coloured pigment, made from iron oxide, is added so that those spraying can see where they have released the fire retardant.

Long-term fire retardants include:

Phos-Chek D75-F Phos-Chek D75-R.

Short-term fire retardant foams are made from a combination of wetting agents and foaming chemicals, mixed with water. These allow the water to penetrate surfaces more easily. Their usefulness is limited against high-intensity fires, where long-term retardants have proven more successful.

Short-term fire retardants include:

Ansul Silv-Ex Angus Forexpan S Phos-Chek WD-881.

Fire retardants – aqua gels

Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) can absorb high volumes of water relative to their own weight. In their concentrated powder form, SAPs can irritate eyes, airways and the skin. This does not occur after they have been mixed with water.

When SAPs are mixed with water, they produce a gel-like substance that acts as a barrier against evaporation resulting from heat. Gel fire retardants can be applied via aircraft or trucks as a firebreak, for direct suppression or for structure protection.
Polybrominated flame retardants

Polybrominated flame retardants (PBFRs) are a category of chemicals that are widely used in household and industrial items, including:

computers, electronics, electrical equipment and televisions textiles foam furniture insulating foams and other building materials.

They are sometimes also called fire retardants, but are quite different from the fire retardants described here and are not used in fighting bushfires.

Fire retardants – environmental effects Although little research has been done in this area, the current evidence does not suggest any significant effects of fire retardants on birds or mammals.

However, in Australia, long-term fire retardants have been observed to cause effects on some species of native plants (leading to low-level damage to new growth). Water plants and animals are more sensitive to the effects of fire retardants than terrestrial flora and fauna. Foams, in particular, can be moderately toxic to aquatic life. For this reason, pilots try not to apply fire retardants close to waterways.
Fire retardants – human health effects

Testing shows that the chemicals used in fire retardants can produce minor irritant effects. The concentrated powder may cause minor respiratory irritation to workers who are handling it. Once it is mixed into slurry, this irritation does not occur. Workers must wear gloves, goggles and dust masks when handling the powder.

Risk assessments carried out in the United States and Victoria have demonstrated that the risk of health effects is very low, even to people who are accidentally exposed to fire retardants during their application.
Fire retardants around water tanks

If you live in a fire-prone area and have a water tank, you should:

disconnect your water tank to prevent contaminated water from entering it install a first-flush diverter or make sure the first part of run-off after rain cannot go into your tank.

This will prevent any water run-off from your roof containing fire retardant from entering your tank. It will also prevent embers, ash and other contaminants from entering your drinking water.

If the fire retardant does enter your water tank, do not drink the water. High levels of ammonia and sulfate in water will make it smell terrible and taste salty. It will not be suitable as drinking water for humans or animals (pets or livestock).

Keep in mind that contaminated water can still be used for irrigation and firefighting purposes.
Cleaning up fire retardant residue

If aerial fire retardant or firefighting foam residue is present on your house and/or cars, use a mild detergent with water and brushes to scrub and dilute the dried residue, and flush it from the surfaces. Rinse with clean water. A follow-up with pressure washing may help, but should not replace scrubbing to remove the residue. Gloves and nonslip shoes should be worn, as it may be slippery.

Thanks for that. It appears to be of little concern except over water.

>>Fire retardants – environmental effects Although little research has been done in this area, the current evidence does not suggest any significant effects of fire retardants on birds or mammals.

However, in Australia, long-term fire retardants have been observed to cause effects on some species of native plants (leading to low-level damage to new growth). Water plants and animals are more sensitive to the effects of fire retardants than terrestrial flora and fauna. Foams, in particular, can be moderately toxic to aquatic life. For this reason, pilots try not to apply fire retardants close to waterways.<<