The extreme heat wave earlier this summer was a disaster for nestlings in the Pacific Northwest. With climate change, these intense hot spells will become more frequent, ultimately threatening bird populations.
The PNW is a leader on forage fish management but it needs better data
A U.S. Senate bill highlights West Coast progressiveness in managing fisheries, but even our region is a long way off from really knowing what’s out there.
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NOAA researchers examine a forage fish called eulachon also known as candlefish along the Columbia River. (J.Zamon/NOAA Fisheries)
Endangered species like salmon and orca get lots of attention in Washington. We painstakingly track their numbers, and each new baby, individual death or a population crash has the potential to spur international reactions. But some species they rely on rarely achieve recognition.
Millions of birds have left the Gulf of Mexico and are heading to Washington
Tens of thousands of birds are expected on Friday and through the weekend
However, scientists say at least 2.6 million will flood the sky on Monday
The birds choose to make the journey at night to avoid predators
This also means they are flying when artificial light illuminates the sky
Light pollution can confuse the birds, leading them to collide with buildings