Bird deaths baffle experts


This story is from The Sunday Times
Bird deaths baffle experts
January 21, 2007
SCIENTISTS are yet to determine what is responsible for killing more than 4000 birds in Esperance.
The Department of Agriculture is continuing tests for evidence of poisoning from pesticides or toxins, which has emerged as the most likely cause of the deaths.
The Department of Environment and Conservation estimates 4000 native nectar eating birds have died in Esperance, 730km south-east of Perth, since early in December.
In some areas, entire populations of wattle birds, honeyeaters and miners have disappeared. Autopsies have ruled out bacterial or viral infections as the cause of the deaths.
A DEC spokesman said results of the latest tests should be available later this week.