Norm - I think you're referring to me so I'll take a shot at answering your questions.  :)  Formerely with west nile virus, and now with the potential threat of avain influenza, there is a heighten concern amoung the public when they come across dead birds.  When west nile was getting started there was a hotline and reporting process organized by the state health department, but that has not been done for several years now that west nile is endemic.  As for bird mortalities in general, we have wildlife response staff in each county to whom such reports can be made.  Based on the nature of the circumstances (and in consultation with DNR's vet) a determination to pick up or not pick up the birds is made.  If birds are recovered they are taken to a state health lab for necropsy.  As a matter of general policy we would not respond or be concerned about one or two dead birds.  If it is a large number or there are some extraneous factors that make us think something is truely amiss then we would investigate.  It is a judgement call.  This winter we will be doing extensive sampling of waterfowl as part of a federally funded AI monitoring program. We also have a bunch of AI info on our website.  Waterfowl hunters are worried about it too.

As for the finder of the bird, we would recommend they do not directly touch any dead wildlife.  If the bird needs to be moved, turn a zip lock bag inside-out, pick it up with the bag, seal it, and put it in the trash.  

As for why we find bird just lying dead, I don't have any single answer for that. Birds die of a lot of things but it does seem odd when you find a dead bird lying on a lawn or such.

Hope that helps.
Mark Hoffman
DNR
Annapolis, MD


 -----Original Message-----
From: 	Norm Saunders [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:	Fri May 26 07:45:53 2006
To:	
Subject:	Re: [MDOSPREY] Orchard Oriole and Cedar Waxwing - dead beside each other

Fran Curnow asks a very timely question in this period when the media are keeping us so hyper-aware of the "coming pandemic."  If we come across dead birds, should we report it?  To whom?  How should we handle, if at all, the carcasses?  So many questions...do any of our NIH or DNR subscribers have any wisdom to impart?

Norm Saunders
West Ocean City, MD


-------------- Original message from Frances Curnow <>: -------------- 


> A beautiful male orchard oriole and a cedar waxwing (both so tiny and 
> fragile!) were lying in the grass dead, about 2 feet apart. What in the 
> world could have happened? 
> 
> They were near bushes, behind the metrobus shelter on GreenCastle Road, 
> Montgomery County. 
> 
> Surely they were not shot? Yet, why beside each other, as if placed 
> there? Who could kill them? 
> 
> Is there any report needed? Or further info? 
> 
> Fran Curnow 
> E of 29, S of 198 (Eastern Montgomery County) 
>