DISREGARD... Waterfowlers... BOLO... Possible diseased ducks

[Mr H]

DISREGARD!!!

We were out near Grasonville today at CBEC (formerly Hog Bay Sanctuary), and found a possible problem.

On the lake there, instead of the usual horde of gulls, terns, egrets and herons, the only birds at/on the water were 3 mallards... one dead, and 2 looking lethargic with what appeared to be a fungal mass on their heads.

Staff was alerted, and I can only hope they will get DNR out to deal with/investigate it.

Is this something any of you have noticed in your summer scouting??

See new post.

 

[Brookso]

Haven't noticed anything like this, but it is alarming. Hopefully, it's some sort of local disease

 

[K31]

Duck pox.

 

[teratos]

I wonder if the fungus ball is tasty when cooked.

 

[E.Shell]

I wonder if the fungus ball is tasty when cooked.

Instead of 'Chicken of the Woods', it could be 'Chicken of the Pond'. Best served with Mountain Oysters.

 

[DeadInside]

This time of year Avian Botulism is not uncommon. The “lethargic“ behavior would be an indication of Avian Botulism (as well as weakness or flaccidity in the neck, legs, and wings). The “fungal mass” is not necessarily a indication of Botulism but could be the result of secondary infection.
Give DNR a call 410-356-0941 to report it and if they find a number of ducks (or other birds) dying off there they will collect carcasses and have them necropsy/tested for disease or poisoning. Hopefully it’s just a isolated situation and not the start of a larger event…

 

[teratos]

Instead of 'Chicken of the Woods', it could be 'Chicken of the Pond'. Best served with Mountain Oysters.

I love chicken of the woods cooked up with chicken Marsala. Mmmmm

 

[Mr H]

DISREGARD...

We went back today, and the fool birds were still there, and in the same exact spot.

Got a better, closer look at them, and damned if someone hadn't put badly painted decoys out there... and not even in a hunting area.