Mysterious Bird Deaths at Fort Myers Beach Tied to Toxic Algae and Poor Water Quality

Tests revealed toxic algae killed six sandwich terns at Fort Myers Beach last week. The birds fell ill and died while under care at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife.

During his dawn patrol, Ranger Rob Howell found the sick birds struggling in the sand. This struck him as unusual; he typically spots just one or two ailing birds each month.

"We've been getting an increased amount of sandwich terns, many of them from Fort Myers Beach, but also other surrounding areas," said CROW Medical Director Jessica Comolli, according to Gulf Coast News.

Scientists at Florida Gulf Coast University's Water School detected harmful algae in water samples. CROW's team now works with state officials to pinpoint the exact cause of death.

"This is an ongoing situation with a lot of Southwest Florida. Unfortunately, the animals are coming in quite debilitated and thin," Comolli added.

The crisis stretches past Fort Myers Beach. Sick birds turn up along other shores, hinting at widespread water quality issues across Southwest Florida's waters. Short-term fixes won't solve this growing threat to marine life.

While these algae kill birds, Howell stressed humans face no risk. Still, he pointed out how our actions shape water quality.

"Try to make better decisions with your property and how you manage it. That affects our water quality. The rain drains through your system down into the water column, and it gets out here, especially if you're near Lake Okeechobee and the, that's your waterway," said Howell.

State officials monitor coastal conditions near Fort Myers. CROW asks locals to report any birds showing signs of illness or odd behavior.