The Maryland Department of the Natural Resources has followed up on reports of sick and dying birds

[elleng]

in the D.C. region, and are working with the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC). DNR has sent samples to NWHC for testing, and at this time the cause is unknown. We do not need any additional samples for testing -- should you encounter a dead bird we recommend that you not touch the bird and dispose of it in a plastic bag. If you encounter a sick bird, we recommend you contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, found on the DNR website here.

The MD DNR website for instructions on finding a Wildlife Rehabilitator:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/.../plants.../rehabilitators.aspx

For media inquiries - please contact Gregg Bortz ([e-mail]).
410-543-6610

Sad.

p.s., Calvert County 'natural resources' placed an owl box on my property, hoping some would find a home here; impressed me.

After 2 years, no owls here.

[cilla4progress]

1. Poor, dear souls.