Dead flying rats

[lawnboy]

What is up with all the dead sea gulls? I bet I can find at least 6 a day. And all of the ones that I find are the big fat grays, not the thin white ones.
Is it just that time of the year from the heat and such that older ones die?

[Joe Archer]

I remember reading something the other about a new disease that was spreading eastward. The disease was characterized by "dead crows". If you witnessed a lot of dead crows in your area, the article said to report this to the board of heath. You might want to consider reporting the dead seagulls to the board of health so they can be tested. <----<<<

[Aspen Hill Adventures]

The fat gray ones are this year's young. It could be a disease or even something they ate that they should not have. Birds can be pretty susceptable to botulism poisoning too.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

The disease mentioned by Joe Archer might be West Nile virus, which can be spread by mosquitos.....if I remember correctley, there were cases in New York last year and I remember some corrolation between the disease and crows. I would be VERY careful if I had to handle dead birds, and would put the DEET on thick this summer....an ounce of prevention, you know!;)
As for botulism, I know ducks get it, but after seeing some of the things that seagulls eat with impunity, I find it hard to believe that ANY seagull would succumb to something it ate......they are the goats of the avian world:p :D :p

[Joe Archer]

Yep that's it exactly Mr. 16 guage, West Nile spread by mosquitos, thank you. I still would call the State biard of health and have them examine dead birds. <----<<<

[lawnboy]

I don't think it's that big of a thing I have seen it years past.....I was just woundering if any one know why.
It's funny I have heard that the gray ones are the younger ones, funny thing is that they are usually about 2x the size of the white ones.