sightings of bill defomities?

["Russell Norvell" <nrdwr dot rnorvell at state dot ut dot us>]

Dear Birders-

I would be very interested to hear of any sightings of birds with deformed bills from around the state or region.  We have had several birds in the greater SLC area (Black-capped Chickadees, Song Sparrows, Swainsons and Hermit Thrushes, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and Black-billed Magpies) with badly deformed bills since we saw the first in 1998.  This is very similar to the situation (though not as drastic) as Alaska's problem -see:

http://www.absc.usgs.gov/research/bpif/bpif.html

Any observations of behavior, along with date, location, and species would be greatly appreciated.  Many thanks and good birding!

- -Russ

Russell Norvell, Avian Ecologist
Non-game Avian Program, UDWR
Street:  1594 W. North Temple, Suite 2110
Mail:   Box 146301, SLC, UT 84114-6301
801.537.3436  (office)
801.554.8140  (cell)
801.538.4745  (fax)
nrdwr.rnorvell@state.ut.us

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