Dozens of dead birds found along Georgian Bay shorelines

Dead birds have washed up along the shorelines at Georgina Beach in Tiny Township, Ont. (Courtesy: Jessica LaRose)

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Residents are reporting troubling scenes along a stretch of Georgian Bay’s shoreline, where several dead birds have been found.

In an email to CTV News, Jessica LaRose said she walked for roughly a kilometre or two and saw 60 to 100 dead birds on the beach in Tiny Township on Thursday.

The Township confirmed receiving reports about dead birds washing up on beaches, stating staff are in contact with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit regarding the matter.

Samples of the birds have been collected by SWHC for testing to determine the cause.

In the meantime, the Township is urging residents to avoid direct contact with dead birds or fish found along the shorelines, especially when pets or children are nearby.

“The CWHC suggests that when handling dead birds, residents wear a mask, gloves, and eye protection to avoid touching them directly. A shovel can also be used to place the dead birds into garbage bags,” the Township noted.

In nearby Wasaga Beach, Town officials are also dealing with reports of dead birds and fish on the beach. Ontario Parks, which oversees Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, is investigating.

Residents are asked to report sightings to the park office at 705-429-2516. Park staff emphasize the importance of location details for response and cleanup efforts.