Whidbey Audubon has posted notices at entrance to Deer Lagoon trail that 3
dead white pelicans have been spotted on the freshwater side of Deer
Lagoon. WA Dept Fish and Wildlife has collected one bird that is being
tested for avian influenza (AI). They caution that no one should retrieve
or touch the dead birds. They are far off on a small mud bar, so unlikely
that people can approach them. Otherwise there were 100+ pelicans today
several 100s yards away from the dead birds.
Whidbey Audubon's alert also says that a dead trumpeter swan found in
wetlands on the south end of the island at Cultus Bay and French Rds tested
positive for AI.
david armstrong