Drone video shows sick, dying geese at Monmouth County reservoir
The reservoir is owned and operated by American Water. The company said there is no risk to the water supply.
More Stories
WARNING: Some viewers may find video images disturbing
Reports and sightings of dead birds are increasing in New Jersey at lakes, beaches, and parks.
From Belmar Beach to Swimming River Reservoir in Middletown Township, dead and dying birds line the shores, some swimming in circles.
Blake Alan monitors bald eagles near the reservoir.
“They’ll go after an easy source of food,” said Alan. “They’ll eat something that’s dead on the water and if it’s infected with the avian flu, they’ll get that and since there’s no cure for that they’ll die.”
Alan suspects avian flu is to blame. It poses little risk to humans, but to birds, like bald eagles, it’s deadly. Alan shared recent photos of eagles he took along the Swimming River Reservoir.
“We’ve lost two so far this year and over 30 last year in the state of New Jersey from avian flu,” he said.
The Swimming River Reservoir is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week by American Water and despite the dozen dead geese spotted by drone, the water company tells News 12 it poses no risk to the supply.
“I don’t think it’s a concern for the public to worry about it,” said Alan.
It will be up to the Department of Environmental Protection to determine what exactly is killing the birds.
“The DEP would come and clean up the ones closest to the bald eagle even though they’re off the protected list there is still a concern and they are still protected,” he added.
If you see dead birds, don’t touch them with your bare hands. Contact the DEP by visiting the DEP's website.
