DEAD and dying shearwater birds are washing up on local beaches in what is an unfortunate but natural annual cycle.
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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Shorebird Recovery coordinator Amy Harris said dead shearwaters, also known as muttonbirds, were common along the coast each year.
“Last year we had more carcasses than usual on our beaches,” Dr Harris said.
“This year there are fewer but we are still experiencing this normal annual phenomenon.
“Shearwaters can live for nearly 40 years, and each year some of the older and weaker animals succumb to their difficult migration.”
She said their 15,000km journey between southern and northern hemisphere nesting sites takes a toll, particularly if the birds encounter severe weather.
“Carcasses may wash up on our beaches or occasionally dying and exhausted birds succumb here,” Dr Harris said.
“While this may be distressing for beachgoers, it is a natural occurrence not requiring intervention.”
Some muttonbirds have been banded by researchers, and NPWS is asking for people to report banded dead shearwater or any other banded seabird to local NPWS staff or contact the Australian Bird and Bat Banding scheme on 6274 2407 or abbbs@environment.gov.au.
