I just wanted to send out a short follow up to the Pomarine Jaeger that
died in Barrie last fall. As many of you will remember the bird died
despite the best efforts by the Midland OSPCA and several other
individuals. The specimen was then brought to the Royal Ontario Museum
and was made into a skin/wing. Tissue samples were also taken for
future molecular research. In addition, parts of the carcass and
remaining tissue were sent on to The Canadian Cooperative Wildlife
Health Centre (CCWHC) at the Ontario Veterinary College, Pathobiology,
University of Guelph.
A Wildlife Diagnostic Report was sent to me in late December and the
results are as follows:
Final Report
Primary Diagnosis: Disseminated Aspergillosis
Detectable Tissue Mercury Levels
Interpretation: This bird was in emaciated body condition. Liver and
tissue was screened for heavy metals; there were detectable levels of
mercury in both tissues, but no detectable lead levels. Histologic
evaluation of tissues confirms the gross diagnosis of disseminated
aspergillosis. Aspergillus infections in birds are often associated
with some underlying stress (disease, toxin, environmental or
nutritional, etc.). The extensive pulmonary involvement in this bird
would have an adverse effect on pulmonary function.
Many thanks to Drs. Doug Campbell and Katharine Welch from the CCWHC
for their assistance in this matter,
Sincerely,
Mark
Mark Peck
Ornithology/Department of Natural History
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queen's Park
Toronto, ON Canada M5S 2C6
416 586 5523
fax 416 586 5553
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Subject: [Ontbirds]Varied Thrush still in Batchewana Bay
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Hello Fellow birders,
The Varied Thrush that was first reported back in November 2005 is still
coming to feeders in Batchewana Bay.
It has been seen almost every day for approximately 7.5 weeks. Visitors are
welcome to see this bird.
Contact: Gary Hill (705) 882-1063
Directions to bird: Drive north on Hwy. 17, from Sault Ste. Marie for about
45 minutes until you reach Hwy. 563. From here, turn left onto Hwy 563 and
drive until you see the icy north shore of Batchewana Bay. At this point
start looking for the green fire number sign 508 on the right hand side. The
bird is coming to feeders on the left (west) side of Gary Hill's house and
also to his neighbours feeder, one house to the east. If it is not at the
feeders, a quick look around at the surrounding trees may help in locating
the bird. Cueing into its call note will also help a lot.
Ken McIlwrick
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
