490. Flocks of sick or deceased birds dot shoreline

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Headline Surfer photos by Serafina Frederick / These photos, taken in 2008 on New Smyrna Beach, are indicative of the array of birds on the beaches of Central Florida.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Researchers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received reports of more than 150 dead or distressed greater shearwaters, gull-like birds, along Florida’s east coast in Brevard, Indian River, St. Johns and Volusia counties in mid-June 2012.

After examining some of the birds, researchers believe these deaths are related to stress from the species’ long, trans-Atlantic migration, following reports of the situation over a week's time.

The tragic situation comes in at No. 490 in Headline Surfer's countdown of the Top 500 Stories as part of the 24/7 internet newspaper's fifth anniversary celebration.

The Greater shearwaters migrate from their primary breeding grounds in Tristan da Cunha, a group of islands off the southwest coast of Africa, across the Atlantic to Canada, according to the Peterson Field Guide for Eastern Birds.

“This long migration, coupled with storms and high winds, can take its toll on some immature and older shearwaters, sapping their strength and making it difficult to feed,” said Dan Wolf, an FWC research biologist.

“Upon examination of some of the dead greater shearwaters this week, we found the birds were young and emaciated, consistent with normal migration mortality,” Wolf added.

“Upon examination of some of the dead greater shearwaters this week, we found the birds were young and emaciated, consistent with normal migration mortality,” Wolf added.

Birds on New Smyrna Beach Migration-related deaths of greater shearwaters occur every year around this time, though the number varies.

In 2007, researchers received reports of about 1,000 dead shearwaters during the migratory season.

Because greater shearwaters live most of their lives on the open sea, the deaths are only seen alongshore when winds are blowing inshore.

Anyone who encounters a dead or distressed bird is asked not to handle it. For assistance with sick or injured birds, citizens should contact a local wildlife rehabilitative facility. The public can report dead birds to the FWC online at MyFWC.com/Bird.

Award-winning Headline Surfer Editor/Publisher Henry Frederick is counting down his ranking of the Top 500 Stories throughout Volusia County, as part of the fifth anniversary celebration of the 24/7 Internet newspaper launched April 7, 2008.