Great Blue Heron collection at Poplar Island Complex and Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex
In the fall of 2005, dead and dying great blue herons (Ardea herodias) exhibiting emaciation, lethargy, inability to fly and a hard abdomen (steatitis confirmed at necropsy) were observed at Poplar Island and nearby Coaches Island (Rattner et al.  2006).  Birds were hand captured at or near impoundments (cells) and …