Natural History Wanderings

The S.F. Chronicle reported on an unknown substance killing East Bay waterbirds. They said

More than 70 birds along the East Bay shoreline have been grounded and incapacitated after becoming coated in a mystery substance over the weekend, with an additional dozen killed by the gray, sticky stuff, according to International Bird Rescue and state wildlife officials.

Dozens of birds — including surf scoters, buffleheads, goldeneyes and horned grebes — were found on land at Alameda’s Crab Cove, the San Leandro Marina and the Hayward shoreline Friday. Another dozen were found Saturday, along with a number of dead birds on both days.

Read story and see photos at  Mystery gunk kills East Bay birds – SFGate.