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Archive 2016 · Last Breaths

  
 
gvg45
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Last Breaths


Having watched another Double-crested Cormorant die about 30mins prior, I noticed this Cormorant showing the same symptoms.

I captured his last few breaths.

Thank you for viewing.

~Greg

















Nov 11, 2016 at 10:10 PM
morris
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Last Breaths


A bit sad and very well photographed Greg

Morris



Nov 11, 2016 at 10:27 PM
gvg45
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Last Breaths


morris wrote:
A bit sad and very well photographed Greg

Morris


It was quite sad to witness.



Nov 11, 2016 at 10:44 PM
OregonSun
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Last Breaths


Very sad, but beautiful photos.

Heron



Nov 11, 2016 at 11:34 PM
surfnron
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Last Breaths


Well documented Greg ~ Ron


Nov 12, 2016 at 08:16 AM
gvg45
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Last Breaths


OregonSun wrote:
Very sad, but beautiful photos.

Heron


Thank you Heron.


surfnron wrote:
Well documented Greg ~ Ron


Thanks Ron.



Nov 13, 2016 at 09:38 AM
AGeoJO
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Last Breaths


That's sad but it is inevitable. You documented that really well, Greg!

Joshua



Nov 13, 2016 at 11:19 AM
birdied
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Last Breaths


So sad but lovely shots. Any idea what happened to them

Birdie



Nov 13, 2016 at 11:53 AM
Shasoc
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Last Breaths


Quite a contrast between the calm water and the drama of a death. At the same time the calm water imparts a sense of a peaceful death, lessening the drama of the images. Well captured!
Socrate



Nov 13, 2016 at 12:23 PM
gvg45
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Last Breaths


AGeoJO wrote:
That's sad but it is inevitable. You documented that really well, Greg!

Joshua


Thanks Joshua.

I just hope its not something in the water that's causing an illness of, what seemed like, an early death of the cormorant.


birdied wrote:
So sad but lovely shots. Any idea what happened to them

Birdie


Thanks Birdie.

I'm unsure, but having seen two die within a short timeframe has me a bit concerned. I'm hoping it's just the cycle of life and not something in their environment.


Shasoc wrote:
Quite a contrast between the calm water and the drama of a death. At the same time the calm water imparts a sense of a peaceful death, lessening the drama of the images. Well captured!
Socrate


Thank you Socrate.



Nov 14, 2016 at 10:31 AM
Don George
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Last Breaths


I have witnessed death in nature many times over the years. Most of them have been very violent and surely painful. This is so serene and peaceful. Very unusual sequence and well documented. This reminded me of what my father said that he felt one of the largest blessings in life is if you pass away peacefully in your sleep.


Nov 14, 2016 at 10:49 AM
gvg45
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Last Breaths


Don George wrote:
I have witnessed death in nature many times over the years. Most of them have been very violent and surely painful. This is so serene and peaceful. Very unusual sequence and well documented. This reminded me of what my father said that he felt one of the largest blessings in life is if you pass away peacefully in your sleep.


Thank you Don.

As sad as it was to witness, there was a sort of comfort in the peaceful setting as the cormorant was able to slowly pass away without disturbance of the other wildlife that reside in the area.



Nov 15, 2016 at 11:41 AM
lighthound
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Last Breaths


The images are beautiful and perfectly captured but I don't like them due to their nature.
That is just too sad.
I enjoy photography for the joy it brings when viewing a moment in time that was captured. This is not a joyous moment that I would like to immortalize.

This is just me personally so please don't take that the wrong way. Again, these are excellent shots on many levels.

What I find very strange is that images of other wildlife being violently attacked and or eaten by another animal do not strike me like this. I'm not bothered by those captured moments as I am with these images. I still feel bad for the victims but it's an expected outcome of nature. As is this I supose but it doesn't feel right. I suspect because we rarely ever see this type of calm passing. If that makes any sence.


On another note, I would also be a little alarmed by the timing of two dying withing minutes of each other in the same fashion. I think I'd call the local wildlife agency and let them know just in case there is something going on that they need to be aware of.

Dave



Nov 15, 2016 at 01:05 PM
bs kite
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Last Breaths


I am a Wildlife Biologist with many years' experience, but I am NOT a Veterinarian.

I believe that you said you saw one die 30 minutes earlier with similar symptoms. If I see that I am CERTAIN these are premature (unnatural) deaths, caused by something in the environment.
I am calling that State's wildlife agency just as quick as I can. You may be wrong, but you are very likely to be right.

There are many pathogens and toxins that would result in even a "serene" death, as one referred to it.

Today, I question all deaths I see in the wild. And if I feel the need, I will call the appropriate state wildlife agency.

Just do it....now!

I assure you that they will want to know and may even have information for you. Don't be shy

Thank you

Robert King



Nov 15, 2016 at 01:09 PM
Karl Witt
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Last Breaths


Fine images Greg, that must have been difficult on you to capture these last moments
It's odd, for some reason I think wildlife never dies naturally but is part of the cycle of life and that is a bit easier on me though likely a bit foolish in my thinking. Please let us know if you learn more about what happened here.

Something is suspicious here so I would follow the direction that the biologist suggested.

Karl




Nov 15, 2016 at 05:15 PM
gvg45
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Last Breaths


lighthound wrote:
The images are beautiful and perfectly captured but I don't like them due to their nature.
That is just too sad.
I enjoy photography for the joy it brings when viewing a moment in time that was captured. This is not a joyous moment that I would like to immortalize.

This is just me personally so please don't take that the wrong way. Again, these are excellent shots on many levels.

What I find very strange is that images of other wildlife being violently attacked and or eaten by another animal do not strike me like this. I'm not bothered by those
...Show more

Thank you Dave for your comments.

I definitely understand your point of view. It was difficult to witness but there was something about how this second Cormorant passed, in a very peaceful and serene way with the calm water & other wildlife not present, that compelled me to put the viewfinder to my eye and capture the scene.

I've been in contact with the Veterinary Dept of Public Health and they are looking into my concern.


bs kite wrote:
I am a Wildlife Biologist with many years' experience, but I am NOT a Veterinarian.

I believe that you said you saw one die 30 minutes earlier with similar symptoms. If I see that I am CERTAIN these are premature (unnatural) deaths, caused by something in the environment.
I am calling that State's wildlife agency just as quick as I can. You may be wrong, but you are very likely to be right.

There are many pathogens and toxins that would result in even a "serene" death, as one referred to it.

Today, I question all deaths I see in
...Show more

Thank you Robert for your insight. I have been in touch with the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service Fellow & Veterinary Public Health to inform them of what I have observed. I requested a follow up to their findings and am forwarding these pictures to help in their investigation.


Karl Witt wrote:
Fine images Greg, that must have been difficult on you to capture these last moments
It's odd, for some reason I think wildlife never dies naturally but is part of the cycle of life and that is a bit easier on me though likely a bit foolish in my thinking. Please let us know if you learn more about what happened here.

Something is suspicious here so I would follow the direction that the biologist suggested.

Karl



Thank you Karl.

You are right in that it was not easy capturing these images. I've requested a follow up with the Veterinary Dept of Public Health and will follow up if/when an update becomes available.



Nov 16, 2016 at 10:09 PM
bs kite
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Last Breaths


Thank you Greg, and.....

If the deaths continue, I am curious as to results of a necropsy from a cormorant or related bird, that is from those waters.

Thank you so much for caring



Nov 17, 2016 at 01:03 PM
gvg45
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Last Breaths


bs kite wrote:
Thank you Greg, and.....

If the deaths continue, I am curious as to results of a necropsy from a cormorant or related bird, that is from those waters.

Thank you so much for caring


Thank you Robert.

A little bit of an update...

After a few emails back and forth with the local Steering Committee, Audubon, & California Epidemiologic Investigation Service, it appears there have been 7 reported death of cormorants this week in the few wildlife reserves in this area. They have mentioned Avian Botulism as a possible cause, however they are going to do more investigation into the deaths to be sure.

I will continue working with them as I frequently visit these locations and will have their contact number readily available in case I witness any further wildlife illnesses or deaths. I believe they also plan to patrol the area more frequently to help with the investigation.

I'll definitely keep this post updated if/when more information becomes available.



Nov 17, 2016 at 07:38 PM
bs kite
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Last Breaths


Thank you so much Greg for caring and acting. And I am thankful that they are onto it too.

Here is an informative article on Avian Botulism. One of the symptoms it mentions is the flaccid neck. In fact, a synonym for it is "Limberneck"

Good job Greg !!

http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/field_manual/chapter_38.pdf

Robert King



Nov 17, 2016 at 08:51 PM
steve_a_reno
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Last Breaths


I think it is outstanding that you could use your photographic skills to document an environmental concern and get the authorities to take action.


Nov 18, 2016 at 11:41 AM
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