Seabirds being affected by El Nio
El Nio storms aren’t just affecting humans, but wildlife as well. Some of our local seabirds are facing new challenges this year as El Nio-related storms continue to pound the Central Coast.
The SPCA for Monterey County said it has taken in an enormous amount of seabirds over the last few months due to the various effects of El Nio. With warmer ocean temperatures and powerful storms, wildlife experts said birds are starving as their prey is diving to deeper waters. In many cases, birds are simply not able to find enough warmth with the constant presence of heavy rain.
“Give the SPCA a call, ask for wildlife, they’ll direct you up to us. We can answer any of your questions, figure out if the bird does or doesn’t need help and then work with you to help get the animal to us as soon as possible,” said Rosanna Leighton, Wildlife Center Manager for the SPCA.
If you see a distressed bird after a storm, the SPCA asks you to call it in, but don’t try to help the bird yourself. The SPCA said that’s when it sees the most sea birds in need of rehabilitation.
