Biologists are looking for the explanation hundreds of nesting birds have deserted Seahorse Key off Florida’s Gulf Coast. The little blue herons, roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, pelicans and different birds left the island suddenly in May.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Vic Doig mentioned what was as soon as the most important hen colony on the state’s Gulf Coast is now a “dead zone.” Scientists have discovered no indication that illness, contaminants or predators are accountable.
The abandonment issues biologists as a result of it might have a ripple impact: Many hen species right here return yr after yr to the identical nesting websites.
Biologist additionally do not understand how the disappearance will have an effect on the island’s different animals, a few of which rely on the birds to outlive.