If you find a dead bird on the beach, you have three options:
1. Leave the bird and report your finding to WDFW.
2. Collect the bird using the guidance below and arrange transport to Katie Haman or other WDFW representative.
3. Take a choanal and/or cloacal swab sample and leave the bird on the beach. Contact Katie to arrange mailing of the sample.
Some excerpts from Katie's presentation - guidance on how to safely collect and store carcasses for transport to WDFW:
1. Leave the bird and report your finding to WDFW.
2. Collect the bird using the guidance below and arrange transport to Katie Haman or other WDFW representative.
3. Take a choanal and/or cloacal swab sample and leave the bird on the beach. Contact Katie to arrange mailing of the sample.
Some excerpts from Katie's presentation - guidance on how to safely collect and store carcasses for transport to WDFW:
|
|
To report sick or dead birds:
WA State Department of Avian Health
1-800-606-3056
WDFW Report Wildlife Observations Tool
https://wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations
If collecting a carcass or swab sample, contact:
Katie Haman, WDFW Wildlife Veterinarian
360-890-2031
[email protected]
Marine Bird Rescues:
PAWS (Snohomish)
425-412-4040
https://www.paws.org
West Sound Wildlife Shelter (Bainbridge Island)
206-855-9057
https://westsoundwildlife.org
Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue (Port Townsend)
360-379-0802
https://www.discoverybaywildbirdrescue.com
WA State Department of Avian Health
1-800-606-3056
WDFW Report Wildlife Observations Tool
https://wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations
If collecting a carcass or swab sample, contact:
Katie Haman, WDFW Wildlife Veterinarian
360-890-2031
[email protected]
Marine Bird Rescues:
PAWS (Snohomish)
425-412-4040
https://www.paws.org
West Sound Wildlife Shelter (Bainbridge Island)
206-855-9057
https://westsoundwildlife.org
Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue (Port Townsend)
360-379-0802
https://www.discoverybaywildbirdrescue.com
Reminder: Collecting bird carcasses or rescuing a sick bird is completely optional. It depends on how you feel about it and whether you can safely collect the bird, using the proper supplies and personal protection. Please only collect fresh carcasses- those are birds that still have intact eyes and haven't started degrading yet. If it smells really bad, it's not fresh. If you choose to leave the bird, please make sure to report it so that the state can investigate, if necessary.