local
A marine heat wave caused seabird deaths off California. El Nino could worsen the die-off
By Julie Watson, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· July 1, 2026
· 6 min read
Within minutes of walking on a San Diego beach, marine ornithologist Tammy Russell found the feathered carcasses — one after another.Some were mixed in with washed up kelp. Others were under rocks.Each month, scientists and volunteers conduct surveys of dead seabirds and find what Russell describ...
Key takeaway I mean one time it happened within 15 minutes, and I’ve never seen that before,” Russell said.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
While the marine heat wave and seabird deaths are occurring off the California coast, the effects of warming oceans and El Nino events can have ripple effects on the ecosystems and wildlife in the San Antonio area. As a community within the larger Texas ecosystem, Alamo Heights residents should be aware of the potential for similar die-offs in local bird populations, particularly those that migrate or have connections to the Gulf Coast. The Gulf of Mexico, which borders Texas, is also susceptible to changes in ocean temperatures and currents, which can impact the fish and krill populations that seabirds rely on for food. As scientists monitor the situation in California, local wildlife experts and residents in Alamo Heights should be vigilant for any signs of distress in local bird populations, and consider the potential long-term effects of climate change on the region's ecosystems.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Within minutes of walking on a San Diego beach, marine ornithologist Tammy Russell found the feathered carcasses — one after another.Some were mixed in with washed up kelp. Others were under rocks.Each month, scientists and volunteers conduct surveys of dead seabirds and find what Russell describ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Julie Watson, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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