People who see dead wild birds can report their observations on a new, toll-free telephone line established by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Most dead bird reports can be submitted by calling WDFW’s toll-free line at 1-800-606-8768.

The exceptions are dead crows, ravens, magpies and jays, which should be reported to local city or county health departments that are tracking those species for potential West Nile virus cases.

If you see a dead bird, please leave that information on our Dead Bird Reporting line at (360) 754-3355 ext. 6659.  When reporting let us know the location where the bird was found, the species of the bird, and the number of the birds observed.  Also leave your name and a telephone number if we need to obtain additional information from you. 

Any crows, ravens, or blue jays that are found can be tested for West Nile Virus if we can collect the birds within 48 hours and they are intact (not scavenged).  If the carcass has an off odor, is soft and mushy, has skin discoloration, feathers or skin that easily rubs off, or has maggots present, it is too decomposed for testing.
 
If you have any additional questions you can also call L. Darrell Cochran at (360) 754-3355 ext. 7524.