This mortality report reflects that change and is arranged accordingly . In mid December, NWHC received a report of bald eagle morbidity and mortality occurring on DeGray Lake, a Corps of Engineer lake near Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Sick birds were reported to have seizures progressing to flacid paralysis and difficulty flying. Birds necropsied by three diagnostic facilities were in good body condition with few, if any, gross lesions. Extensive microbiological and toxicological analysis have been completed with no consistent findings.
More tests are pending and the case remains open.
Examination and analysis of common grackle stomach contents revealed poisoning by diazinon and chlorpyrifos. The source of the toxins remains unknown. Unusual morbidity with mortality is being reported in American robins from one residential area in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Robins have migrated through this area the last two winters and feed on persimmon trees. Robins are observed with a white powdery substance on the legs.