Updated Assessment Reveals Scope of Rare Bird Mortality Event in the Coastal Bend

Harte Research Institute Conservation and Biodiversity program researchers and partners have updated the numbers for the bird mortality event caused by the Nov. 1 hailstorms that struck the Coastal Bend. The images captured show the severity of this event and the important work underway to understand its impact.

The number of estimated birds killed or injured was revised to 1,860, including 1,484 brown pelicans. While brown pelicans and other waterbirds were most affected, land-based species such as woodpeckers and falcons have also been found washed up on the beach. More than 30 species were documented in the assessment process.

Reviewing published records of bird mortality from hail in North America dating back to the 1950s verified the Nov. 1 event was rare. Although severe hailstorms are not rare and neither are large gatherings of waterbirds, the occurrence of both ingredients at the same place at the same time is what made this event unusual, said Dr. Dale Gawlik, the HRI James A. “Buddy” Davidson Endowed Chair for Conservation and Biodiversity.

As difficult as this event was to see unfold, Gawlik said when a bird species are abundant, these rare tragic events may not have a long-lasting effect on their population trends. Rare events such as this can have severe effects when populations are very low. This is why conservationists focus on trying to maintain healthy population sizes.

HRI scientists have been using advanced tools such as drones to survey affected islands and are continuing to collaborate with partners including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, UT-Marine Science Institute Amos Rehabilitation Keep, and The Nature Conservancy to study this rare event. While the event was devastating, we can share that 391 birds have been captured and transferred to UTMSI’s ARK for care.

Follow HRI’s social channels for updates as researchers continue to learn more about this extraordinary event.