For those of you asking about the die-off of Western Grebes on the coast,
the winter storms cause havoc with these sea birds. They get beat up pretty
severely by the constant waves and cold, possibly unable to feed properly.

COASST (Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team) has ongoing data
collection that indicates Oct-March as being the highest mortality months.
As a COASST'er myself, I find it disturbing to see the birds at the surf
line trying to survive...then, the next day, the many who didn't.

Dianna Moore
Ocean Shores, Wa.
dlmoor2 at coastaccess.com