Pelican Mortality at Union Res (Boulder Co.)

[Jay Hutchins]

All:

I just saw another dead pelican at Union Reservoir in the last two weeks. When I reported the first one about 10 days ago, the ranger mentioned they had helped animal control capture a sick one that later died-so a total of three in last two weeks or so. I don’ think I’ve seen three deceased pelicans in the last 20 years at Union, let alone in three weeks.

So, at what point do you all consider X number of dead birds within Y timeframe to be unusual, concerning or three alarm fire? I let the rangers know, is it time to place a call to CPW?

Would ask everyone who frequents Union to keep a watch and to report any mortality to the staff/rangers there. The two I have seen were on the north shore and a little south of the NW corner.

Jay Hutchins
Longmont

[Lynne Forrester]

These are water fowl, which may be susceptible to the avian flu they're very worried about. I think CPW wants to know about this level of fatalities.

Lynne Forrester 

Littleton, Jefferson County 

[jay...@gmail.com]

All:

Got quite a few responses to my post, almost all suggesting it could be High Path Avian Influenza (thank you Scott S. from the US F&WS!) and to call CPW.  I did talk to a message taker there on Friday, will update everyone if/when I hear back from them.

Jay Hutchins

Longmont

[mvjo...@gmail.com]

Yes agree with HPAI possibility. We are watching this issue closely in the San Luis Valley as well. 

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO

[Amy C]

A friend just texted me a picture of a dead pelican she found at Cherry Creek State Park. It did not appear to have any injuries. She reported it to the park office so hopefully they will act quickly to remove the animal so scavengers don't get to it and pass illness along the food chain (assuming the bird died of something contagious). My friend kayaks almost daily at CCSP and I'm sure she'll let me know of any other birds she finds. 

Really hoping this isn't the start of a tragic summer.

Amy

Amy Cervene 

Arvada, Jefferson

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[jay...@gmail.com]

All:

Finally connected with CPW, wanted to pass along what I learned.  Unfortunately highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1), or HPAI, is here in CO and is widespread.  Not really anything can be done about it, other than monitoring and observing.  CPW would like to hear about suspected cases, their criteria is 3 dead birds of the same species within a two (2) week window in the same area.  They would like to analyze the bird, as long as they can get it within 48 hrs and the bird has NOT been frozen.  Contact your local CPW District office if you notice anything.

I did get Clayton from CPW connected to the head ranger at Union, so those two entities can connect more easily if any other birds are found. As a small bonus for myself, I've gotten to know the ranger I first spoke to and it turns out he lives one street over from me.

Here's a link to an Audobon article on HPAI: https://www.audubon.org/news/north-american-birds-face-their-own-pandemic-latest-bout-avian-flu

Jay Hutchins

Longmont