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Climate Extremes: More than 100 birds collapse and die in record Australian heat (Hopetoun, Australia ~ January 7, 2010)
South Coast, AUSTRALIA- More dead birds have been found on the South Coast after extreme temperatures in the region bringing the total of dead birds to more than 170. 116 birds, most of which are the endangered Carnaby's Cockatoo, were found dead at the Hopetoun golf course yesterday. Officers from the Department of Environment and Conservation are now also at Munglinup, east of Ravensthope, where they have found more than 50 birds, most of these also Carnaby's Cockatoos. The department's Rob Pridham says it appears Wednesday's record 48 degree heat was the main cause of the deaths but investigations are continuing. "All indications so far is that the deaths have occurred because of the extreme heat and winds that have been prevalent in the last couple of days," he said. "Speaking to witnesses they've actually watched the birds come in for water and virtually die in front of them." He says the deaths will have a significant impact on the species. "Considering there's quite a large amount of birds killed at Hopetoun, it would suggest it's likely there'll be an impact on the population," he said. He says while the recent heat is the likely cause of deaths, the birds will be sent to Perth for further examination. –ABC News
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/08/2787996.htm
South Coast, AUSTRALIA- More dead birds have been found on the South Coast after extreme temperatures in the region bringing the total of dead birds to more than 170. 116 birds, most of which are the endangered Carnaby's Cockatoo, were found dead at the Hopetoun golf course yesterday. Officers from the Department of Environment and Conservation are now also at Munglinup, east of Ravensthope, where they have found more than 50 birds, most of these also Carnaby's Cockatoos. The department's Rob Pridham says it appears Wednesday's record 48 degree heat was the main cause of the deaths but investigations are continuing. "All indications so far is that the deaths have occurred because of the extreme heat and winds that have been prevalent in the last couple of days," he said. "Speaking to witnesses they've actually watched the birds come in for water and virtually die in front of them." He says the deaths will have a significant impact on the species. "Considering there's quite a large amount of birds killed at Hopetoun, it would suggest it's likely there'll be an impact on the population," he said. He says while the recent heat is the likely cause of deaths, the birds will be sent to Perth for further examination. –ABC News
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/08/2787996.htm
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