As some of you are aware, avian influenza has become a regular part of life
out there in the bird world including parts of western Washington.
Mortalities are being reported, especially from south Whidbey Island and
now up in the Padilla Bay area and maybe more areas that are not being
reported. Several white pelicans have been found dead in both of these
areas in the past few days. One has been tested for AI and the results will
not be known for at least a week or more. If it is not AI then WDFW will
send it in for a full necropsy to hopefully determine why it died.

Meanwhile, here is the latest info from WDFW on what to do should you find
dead pelicans, ducks, shorebirds, etc:
1. Do not touch the bird. REPORT IT.
REPORT observations to the following:
Online reports use this link:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a384e90f69744f2e846135a9ce80027f.

Alternatively, people can email teammillcreek at dfw.wa.gov or call
360-902-2936.

This will be the fastest way for a response from WDFW. They are aware of
the pelican mortality issue, and the one dead Trumpeter Swan that did test
positive for AI (south Whidbey Is wetland).

Thank you for keeping watch for birds in distress. WDFW is working hard to
track this deadly disease.
Martha Jordan
Everett, WA
206-713-3684