Chicago, Illinois – A concerning number of dead birds have been found washed up on beaches along Lake Michigan in Chicago over the weekend and early Monday morning. Reports came in of ducks, red-breasted mergansers, and Canada geese washing ashore at Oak Street Beach, North Avenue Beach, and Tower Beach in Cook County.
Officials suspect that the birds died from bird flu, although tests have not yet been conducted for confirmation. The thawing of Lake Michigan likely contributed to the large quantity of birds washing ashore. The Chicago Park District is aware of the situation and has deployed personnel to check all beaches and park lagoons.
Residents have been urged not to touch the birds due to the risk of contamination. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding the public not to handle waterfowl or other birds displaying illness and to report any sick or deceased birds to 311.
Volunteer conservation group Chicago Bird Collision Monitors received numerous reports of dead mergansers from residents in Hyde Park to Wilmette. NBC Chicago crews reported finding dead birds at 31st Street Beach, 12th Street Beach, and Ohio Street Beach on Monday morning.
Experts note that the recent rise in deaths of birds in Chicago, particularly mergansers, is unexpected as these birds are mostly aquatic and do not typically walk on land. Annette Prince, director of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, expressed surprise at the variety and quantity of birds found dead due to bird flu.
This recent event in Chicago is part of a larger trend of bird flu casualties reported in the area. Since December 3, there have been 144 incidents reported in Illinois, with cases confirmed in other Midwest states as well. The spread of bird flu has affected millions of wild and domestic birds worldwide over the past two years, with human cases remaining rare.
The rise in bird flu deaths underscores the ongoing threat posed by the virus and the need for vigilance in tracking and responding to such incidents. The Illinois Department of Public Health emphasizes the importance of avoiding contact with sick birds and taking potential exposure seriously to prevent the spread of the illness.