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Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
Last post Mon, Nov 19 2007, 9:02 AM by Dizzy. 17 replies.
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 Fri, Nov 16 2007, 11:45 AM |
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Sammie
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Joined on 06-24-2006
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Well, actually, I joined on 11-22-00
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Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
GranolaGirl just shared this news with me knowing that this is where I live. We hadn't heard about this yet, but I haven't seen our resident swans in awhile. I thought that they were just travelling around the area now that the babes were full grown. Now I fear that is not the case. I know that the Mute Swans have become a problem species in some areas in the States, but now it looks like other invasive species, the Zebra Mussell & Goby are possibly causing their deaths. Some may consider it 'nature's way'. It makes me very sad to think that 'my' swans may be dead, nonetheless.  15/11/2007 12:29:03 PM
A recent spate of swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont., has worried wildlife officials and area residents. Experts say the deaths could be linked to botulism, which has caused a larger die-off of loons and other migratory birds on the Great Lakes.
Greg Brunet of the Canadian Wildlife Service said that eight dead mute swans had been found on the banks of the St. Clair River, near Sombra. He said the dead birds had been there for close to two weeks. An additional 10 swans have reportedly been found dead near Walpole Island. Brunet said three of the bodies have been shipped to the University of Guelph for analysis. Allan Anderson of Sombra told the Associated Press that residents were concerned about the deaths and feared they were caused by an oil or chemical spill. But experts suggest the birds were poisoned by botulism after feeding on invasive species. There have been similar die-offs of loons and other migratory birds on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes recently, which New York State Department of Environmental Conservation scientists have attributed to Type E botulism. Type E botulism is caused by invasive species such as zebra mussels and the round goby fish. Zebra mussels create a low-oxygen environment where the toxin can grow, then the bottom-dwelling gobies eat the zebra mussels and become sick. The disease continues to work its way up the food chain to birds, as sick fish swim differently and are thus an obvious target for a bird's dinner. The birds then contract botulism and die. The environmental department scientists estimate botulism has killed over 51,300 birds on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario since 2000. No human illness has been associated with the dead swans or the Great Lake die-offs. Authorities said that anyone who finds dead birds should contact wildlife officials. Additionally, they warn that people should not eat birds or fish that appear sick. With files from the Canadian Press and the Associated Press
15/11/2007 12:29:03 PM
A recent spate of swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont., has worried wildlife officials and area residents. Experts say the deaths could be linked to botulism, which has caused a larger die-off of loons and other migratory birds on the Great Lakes.
Greg Brunet of the Canadian Wildlife Service said that eight dead mute swans had been found on the banks of the St. Clair River, near Sombra. He said the dead birds had been there for close to two weeks. An additional 10 swans have reportedly been found dead near Walpole Island. Brunet said three of the bodies have been shipped to the University of Guelph for analysis. Allan Anderson of Sombra told the Associated Press that residents were concerned about the deaths and feared they were caused by an oil or chemical spill. But experts suggest the birds were poisoned by botulism after feeding on invasive species. There have been similar die-offs of loons and other migratory birds on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes recently, which New York State Department of Environmental Conservation scientists have attributed to Type E botulism. Type E botulism is caused by invasive species such as zebra mussels and the round goby fish. Zebra mussels create a low-oxygen environment where the toxin can grow, then the bottom-dwelling gobies eat the zebra mussels and become sick. The disease continues to work its way up the food chain to birds, as sick fish swim differently and are thus an obvious target for a bird's dinner. The birds then contract botulism and die. The environmental department scientists estimate botulism has killed over 51,300 birds on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario since 2000. No human illness has been associated with the dead swans or the Great Lake die-offs. Authorities said that anyone who finds dead birds should contact wildlife officials. Additionally, they warn that people should not eat birds or fish that appear sick. With files from the Canadian Press and the Associated Press 15/11/2007 12:29:03 PM
A recent spate of swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont., has worried wildlife officials and area residents. Experts say the deaths could be linked to botulism, which has caused a larger die-off of loons and other migratory birds on the Great Lakes.
Greg Brunet of the Canadian Wildlife Service said that eight dead mute swans had been found on the banks of the St. Clair River, near Sombra. He said the dead birds had been there for close to two weeks. An additional 10 swans have reportedly been found dead near Walpole Island. Brunet said three of the bodies have been shipped to the University of Guelph for analysis. Allan Anderson of Sombra told the Associated Press that residents were concerned about the deaths and feared they were caused by an oil or chemical spill. But experts suggest the birds were poisoned by botulism after feeding on invasive species. There have been similar die-offs of loons and other migratory birds on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes recently, which New York State Department of Environmental Conservation scientists have attributed to Type E botulism. Type E botulism is caused by invasive species such as zebra mussels and the round goby fish. Zebra mussels create a low-oxygen environment where the toxin can grow, then the bottom-dwelling gobies eat the zebra mussels and become sick. The disease continues to work its way up the food chain to birds, as sick fish swim differently and are thus an obvious target for a bird's dinner. The birds then contract botulism and die. The environmental department scientists estimate botulism has killed over 51,300 birds on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario since 2000. No human illness has been associated with the dead swans or the Great Lake die-offs. Authorities said that anyone who finds dead birds should contact wildlife officials. Additionally, they warn that people should not eat birds or fish that appear sick. With files from the Canadian Press and the Associated Press I can't seem to edit out the repitition...sorry.
...then curl up by the fire and sleep for awhile, it's the grooviest thing, it's the perfect dream ~ The Cure One man's 'ridiculous' is another man's 'Yabba-dabba-doo' ~ Charlie on Two & a Half Men Keep it simple
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| Fri, Nov 16 2007, 11:58 AM |
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NYCBRFAN
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Joined on 11-29-2002
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It's a hell of a town, NY, USA
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
Ah ***.......what they hell am I supposed to say. Sammy I know you were attached to your family of swans so i hope Zin and crew show up soon.
Where my designer B*tches at?
MAGNETS....COWS....HERD....it all makes sense now?
There's nothing worse than driving in a snowstorm with a GPS that's on the rag
Do you take PAYPAL?
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| Fri, Nov 16 2007, 12:03 PM |
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Sammie
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Joined on 06-24-2006
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Well, actually, I joined on 11-22-00
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
Thanx, Ray.
...then curl up by the fire and sleep for awhile,
it's the grooviest thing, it's the perfect dream ~ The Cure
One man's 'ridiculous' is another man's 'Yabba-dabba-doo' ~ Charlie on Two & a Half Men
Keep it simple
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| Fri, Nov 16 2007, 1:34 PM |
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granolaGirl
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Joined on 09-14-2001
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Toronto
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
Hey Sammy... I don't consider it "nature's way". I have no idea how the mute swans became a problem species in the U.S., but I do know how the zebra mussels arrived in our Great Lakes. They hitched a ride on ships destined for various Great Lake ports. I read about it several years ago, and the article I read back then warned about the consequences about having zebra mussels introduced into the Great Lakes environment. I say "shame" on the shipping companies that never took any action on removing the zebra mussels before coming into port. The swans' deaths are a direct result of their inaction.
The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.
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| Fri, Nov 16 2007, 1:46 PM |
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NYCBRFAN
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Joined on 11-29-2002
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It's a hell of a town, NY, USA
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
Therese it goes back further then that. When I took a vacation to the thousand Islands and points GWN I can remember seeing signs warning boaters about Zebra Muscles and this has to be a good 12 years ago.
Where my designer B*tches at?
MAGNETS....COWS....HERD....it all makes sense now?
There's nothing worse than driving in a snowstorm with a GPS that's on the rag
Do you take PAYPAL?
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| Fri, Nov 16 2007, 2:11 PM |
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Sammie
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Joined on 06-24-2006
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Well, actually, I joined on 11-22-00
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
I don't have a lot of knowledge about the Zebra Mussels other than the occasional headlines, but I know a little more about the Mute Swans because I was researching their habits this year to learn more about the pair nesting within sight of our house. The Mute Swans are not native to North America & were originally brought over from Europe to live on estates & in parks. But over the years they have escaped into the wild. As eggs or babies, they have natural predators like foxes, minks & turtles. But as adults they are the largest waterfowl & very aggressive & territorial by nature. Because of this, they are squeezing out some other species as their populations grow. I don't have any answers as to how we should deal with these kinds of issues. Right now, I'm just mourning the loss of these incredibly beautiful creatures, which may include our Zinfandel, Chardonnay & their babies Reisling, Pinot & Grigio. But I do believe that we, as humans, need to take responsibilty for the actions, or lack of actions, that we take & consider how they will affect not just us, but all the other living creatures that share this planet.
...then curl up by the fire and sleep for awhile,
it's the grooviest thing, it's the perfect dream ~ The Cure
One man's 'ridiculous' is another man's 'Yabba-dabba-doo' ~ Charlie on Two & a Half Men
Keep it simple
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| Fri, Nov 16 2007, 11:30 PM |
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Carrington
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Joined on 03-27-2006
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
Oh Sammy...I am so sorry that this has happened. I know how you loved those beautiful swans. How horrible. It makes me sick. And sad, very sad. Big hugs for you.
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| Sat, Nov 17 2007, 5:19 AM |
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Sammie
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Joined on 06-24-2006
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Well, actually, I joined on 11-22-00
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
Thanx, Cathy. 
...then curl up by the fire and sleep for awhile, it's the grooviest thing, it's the perfect dream ~ The Cure One man's 'ridiculous' is another man's 'Yabba-dabba-doo' ~ Charlie on Two & a Half Men Keep it simple
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| Sat, Nov 17 2007, 8:06 AM |
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katiescarlet
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Joined on 03-11-2003
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Basking in the sun
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
I remember hearing about the zebra mussels causing problems in the Niagara River, years ago. It sucks when a non-indegenous species is introduced, its just not ever good. I was saying the other night how devastating humans are to every species on this planet, including themselves. How can we be that way and still think we are the highest life form? I understand life cycles and all that jazz, nature does its thing. I've never been fond of it and have interfered when I see a cat stalking a bird or mouse...or snake or lizards, but I do respect the balance of nature, its very powerful, but also very delicate. I hope people will someday be better about respecting that. Sammie, I know how you feel. I felt the same way when our neighbourhood cat, Princess, was missing and the vultures started circling. It took seconds to put 2 & 2 together and my heart just sank. I hate to see any animal fall victim to people...even when I see an animal ran over...I always say "I"m sorry". I know sometimes its unavoidable, but many times it is. Especially turtles, they dont' dart in front of you, and I see so many hit. I think its pretty likely you can avoid one, even if you just maneuver the tires to go over it. Sorry for going sideways. But that does bother me alot. I love animals, all of them...even the dreaded frog....it scares the bejeezus out of me, but I'd never hurt one. Hell I even flip the big ugly beatles over when they get stuck on their backs. I just think being the so called highest life form leaves us the responsibility of caring for all the other life forms, not harming them.  's Sammie!
"There's one in every crowd, for crying out loud, why was it always turning out be me"
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| Sat, Nov 17 2007, 8:51 AM |
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Sammie
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Joined on 06-24-2006
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Well, actually, I joined on 11-22-00
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
That's exactly how I feel, Jenn.
...then curl up by the fire and sleep for awhile, it's the grooviest thing, it's the perfect dream ~ The Cure One man's 'ridiculous' is another man's 'Yabba-dabba-doo' ~ Charlie on Two & a Half Men Keep it simple
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| Sun, Nov 18 2007, 9:21 AM |
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Dizzy
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Joined on 07-27-2003
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There's No Such Thing As Too Many Guitars!!!
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
Being a diver, I've seen the Zebra Muscle problem first hand. When we dove some wrecks in Kingston, the entire bottom of the lake, every square inch, is covered in Zebra Mussles. It's really quite sad. Then we saw these really funny looking fish on all the wrecks - yep - you guessed it - Goby's! I'm with Therese on this one, this isn't natures way - this is mankind screwing up the planet again. I feel for you Deb, we have swans in a pond on the north side of our new property and if they fail to return next year, that would make me very sad.
********************************** Talk Is Cheap - Well I Outta Know!!!!!! **********************************
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| Sun, Nov 18 2007, 9:42 AM |
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ann
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nowhere town
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
I hope the swans they found aren't your missing swans Sammie. The beginning of the article said that the dead swans had been sent off for analysis so perhaps you could enquire as to whether this was a family that they had found and what the results were. The "experts" they quote were just speculating so maybe it isn't Type E botulism at all but something else. Swans up this way were dying from lead poisoning after ingesting lead shot that duck hunters have littered the water with. The Type E botulism spore is found in mud on the bottoms of lakes and would be there regardless of what species of animal is present. Thorough cooking of any food will denature the toxin produced by this bacteria and it is the toxin which causes illness. Just a word on the behalf of Zebra Mussels - they are filter feeders and have been credited with cleaning up the lakes (which is rather nice). Even though the water in this area is relatively clean, I think I have detected an improvement in water clarity over the past few years. I have heard that each mussel filters a litre of water per day! I hope your swans are just on vacation and will be back soon Sammie.
"Over straight and crooked miles Falling out of favour or embraced Wondering where was love... It hadn't happened yet" ~Ron Sexsmith~ Nearest to all things Patiently waiting So let the angels sing Silently weeping
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| Sun, Nov 18 2007, 5:16 PM |
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Sammie
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Joined on 06-24-2006
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Well, actually, I joined on 11-22-00
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
I had read that recently about the Zebra Mussels, Ann, & you're right, it could definitely be something else like lead poisoning. I doubt the Ministry will be able to help identfy our family, since there were 18 found so far, but it sure would be nice to know. Of course, I feel just as badly about the other swans. I'm going to call them tomorrow, as there is a dead swan on a little island on a small pond in a conservation area just down the road. There had been a family of 8 there all summer, now there are only two. Over two weeks ago, before we went down east for a week, we had stopped in for a look & I spotted something white on the island. I said at the time that that didn't look right, but didn't know about the dying swans yet. We went back today with binoculars & sure enough, it is a swan. I don't understand why they are being left. As the article mentioned, the 8 were in Sombra for two weeks! Jack saw 4 fly down the river yesterday morning, but they were all white, so not part of our family. We had 1 white cygnet & two 'greys'' (originally 3, but one disappeared when it was very small) & they are not fully changed to all white yet. Peter, have your swans left? Ours stayed here all this past winter. We had one pair plus a family of 5 that frequented our immediate area. They never mixed with each other, as I said, they are very territorial....but right around Christmas I looked out &, yep, you guessed it!.. there were 'seven swans a-swimming' by. It gave me quite a chuckle.
...then curl up by the fire and sleep for awhile, it's the grooviest thing, it's the perfect dream ~ The Cure One man's 'ridiculous' is another man's 'Yabba-dabba-doo' ~ Charlie on Two & a Half Men Keep it simple
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| Sun, Nov 18 2007, 9:04 PM |
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sorefingers
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Joined on 12-29-2004
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Ft.Lauderdale Fla.
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
I Hope your Swans are just on Holidays Sammie, but could we stop this conversation now? it's making my avatar extremely nervous.
HUH?
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| Sun, Nov 18 2007, 9:26 PM |
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Sammie
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Joined on 06-24-2006
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Well, actually, I joined on 11-22-00
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Re: Wildlife officials report swan deaths near Sarnia, Ont.
 sorefingers: I Hope your Swans are just on Holidays Sammie, but could we stop this conversation now? it's making my avatar extremely nervous.
Thanx, SF, I'd like to believe that. (Maybe your little avatar could go play in the Sandbox...just watch out for the cats.) 
...then curl up by the fire and sleep for awhile, it's the grooviest thing, it's the perfect dream ~ The Cure One man's 'ridiculous' is another man's 'Yabba-dabba-doo' ~ Charlie on Two & a Half Men Keep it simple
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