Puffin Invasion 2007: Summary of Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata) mortality event based on gross examination

Puffin Invasion 2007: Summary of Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata) mortality event based on gross examination
(July 2007)

Elizabeth Phillips, Hannah Nevins, and Dave Jessup

ABSTRACT

During late March to late June 2007, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaryís BeachCOMBERS program documented increased numbers of Horned Puffins (Fratercula corniculata) washing up dead on beaches. To date, 27 Horned and 4 Tufted Puffins (F. cirrhata) have been found dead on beach surveys within the Sanctuary, in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties. An additional 6 Horned Puffins have been brought to rehabilitation centers in the area, where all have died shortly after arrival. This event provided the Central California Marine Bird Health Study with a unique opportunity to gather basic information about the species.