What's killing the birds in Richardson Bay?

At least 160 birds have turned up dead along the shores in Richardson Bay near Tiburon and UC Davis scientists are expected to report this week on what caused the deaths.

The birds certainly could have been affected by two recent sewage spills in Marin County that dumped nearly 5.5 million gallons of partially treated sewage into the northern part of San Francisco Bay. Those spills occurred on January 26 and 31. The birds started appearing shortly thereafter.

The Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Tiburon reported an unusual number of dead birds following the spills. There was also speculation that these birds could have also been suffering from remnants of the Cosco Busan oil spill that hit the bay on November 7, 2007.

Media reports:

Alarming spike in Richardson Bay bird deaths, San Francisco Chronicle

Necropsy Results On Dead Birds Due This Week, NBC-TV 11

Bird toll mounts on Richardson Bay, Marin IJ