Data release for Investigation of a largescale common murre (Uria aalge) mortality event in California in 2015

During 2015, beachcast bird survey programs (Beach Watch and BeachCOMBERS) reported higher than average deposition of common murres (Uria aalge) on central and northern California beaches from August through December. Increased common murre mortality was not reported for southern California beaches. International Bird Rescue (IBR) located in Fairfield, CA and other coastal wildlife rehabilitation centers received more than 1,000 live, stranded and debilitated murres from Sonoma County to San Luis Obispo County during August – October. Approximately 2/3 of birds admitted to IBR were after-hatch-year birds in emaciated body condition and in various stages of molt, with extremely worn plumage. To determine the probable cause of death [...]