Tuesday, December 31, 2013

West Nile Virus is Killing Bald Eagles in Utah, Bald Eagle NX's Location, Bald Eagles Killed In Montgomery County Md, Cold Weather Can Be Hard On Birds of Prey

Scientists have found that it's West Nile Virus that is killing Bald Eagles in Utah. The current count is 27 dead and many more in treatment. It's unusual for birds to get West Nile Virus this time of year because it is usually transmitted via mosquitoes. They are studying if the Bald Eagles are getting sick from eating Grebes that have died while migrating through the area. There is no cure for West Nile Virus. Rehabbers can only provide care and hope the immune system does the rest. 

Bald Eagle NX checked in on 12/28. She had flown 15 miles north of her previous location and is back in King George County.

Two Bald Eagles have been shot and killed in Montgomery County, Maryland. I hope they catch the people that did this.

Cold weather can hit birds of prey pretty hard. Having difficulty finding food can make road-kill more appealing. If you see a large bird feeding by the side of the road, slow down. Large birds can fly across the road and into the path of oncoming vehicles. It takes them a bit of distance to gain enough altitude to be out of the way.

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