Sick shorebirds concern for scientists as red tide suspected

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that two weeks ago, there was a sudden influx of sick shorebirds on the east end of Sanibel, as well as on Bunche Beach and Fort Myers Beach.
Many birds were brought to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife for treatment.
A least sandpiper — the world’s smallest shorebird species — and three sanderlings delivered by the SCCF were treated and released. Shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht reported that the sandpiper was unable to use its legs or fly when it was discovered on April 28. CROW’s staff successfully rehabilitated and released it by May 1. However, 10 avian patients remained at CROW as of May 5 and 16 birds of various species had died.
SCCF staff and volunteers also brought to CROW two laughing gulls and a ring-billed gull between April 28 and April 30. Many more were brought in by others. The SCCF is working with its partners to determine the cause of illness.
“This is especially concerning at a time when shorebirds are getting ready to migrate long distances to their northern breeding grounds,” Albrecht said.
In total, CROW admitted 30 sick birds two weeks ago. CROW staff suspects they were all suffering from brevetoxicosis, or red tide poisoning, and plasma samples were sent to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for testing, which is conducted on a research basis so it not known when the results will be available.
If you see sick or injured birds, call CROW at 239-472-3644. If you find dead birds on the beach, report the observation to FWC’s Avian Mortality site at https://legacy.myfwc.com/bird/.