More dead birds found on WA's south coast.

This event happened in my area, last year, when we had the hottest day temperature, ever recorded. We had 3 consecutive weeks of temperatures above 40C, and no rain. The birds were dying from heat exhaustion and a lack of fresh water. This is an example of an extreme weather event causing the death of birds, where they literally fell from the sky, dead.

This same extreme weather, also caused the death of many fish, due to the rise in water temperatures.

spud

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/08/2787996.htm?site=southqld



More dead birds found on WA's south coast

Posted January 8, 2010 09:34:00
Updated January 8, 2010 14:27:00
Carnaby's Cockatoo

The dead birds are thought to be the endangered Carnaby's Cockatoos



More dead birds have been found on the South Coast after extreme temperatures in the region.

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.

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