News Summary
Phoenix is currently facing a perplexing situation characterized by a significant die-off of flammulated owls, linked to an unusual fall heat wave. Over 54 owls have been reported sick or dead, with investigations underway by researchers to determine the cause. Initial findings indicate dehydration-related kidney damage, raising concerns about how extreme temperatures are affecting local wildlife. With only 13 of these small owls surviving, wildlife experts are urging citizens to monitor and report any unusual wildlife observations to aid in conservation efforts.
Phoenix is facing a pressing mystery as a significant die-off of flammulated owls has occurred during an unprecedented fall heat wave in 2024. Since September 27, over 54 of these small owls, which are about the size of a baseball and capable of flying 300 miles in a day, have been found sick or dead across the metropolitan area. Of these, 17 owls were discovered deceased, while the others exhibited signs of distress. Ultimately, only 13 flammulated owls have survived the ordeal.
Researchers from three universities, along with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, have launched an investigation to uncover the cause of this troubling phenomenon. One of the initial discoveries was made by John Bello, the assistant director at ASU’s Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, who found a dead owl in October 2024. The carcass displayed no visible injuries and was found near a patio, prompting Bello to contact Dr. Jason Struthers, a veterinary anatomic pathologist, for guidance on preserving the remains for further study.
Following Bello’s discovery, numerous concerned citizens, referred to as “good Samaritans,” began submitting flammulated owls to local bird sanctuaries. Reports of these submissions stretched across a wide geographical area, including locations from Apache Junction to Buckeye. Comparatively, the number of flammulated owls reported in previous years was significantly lower, with only three documented in 2022 and nine in 2023.
As part of the investigation, researchers conducted examinations on 41 carcasses of the deceased owls and performed toxicology tests. Initial findings revealed that the owls were in good condition and consuming food before their deaths. Notably, bird flu has been ruled out as a possible cause. In fact, most of the tested owls displayed signs of kidney damage, which is often associated with dehydration. These findings raise concerns about the impact of the extreme heat experienced in Phoenix during the fall of 2024.
Data shows that temperatures in Phoenix during the fall of 2024 were approximately 2.4 degrees Fahrenheit higher compared to the previous year and significantly exceeded temperatures in 2022. If confirmed, heat may be a critical contributing factor in the die-off of these already vulnerable owls. The flammulated owl population is estimated to be around 12,000 individuals across North America, making any mortality event particularly significant for the species.
The ongoing investigation aims not only to identify the specific causes of the die-off but also to enhance understanding of the flammulated owls’ migration patterns and dietary habits, both of which remain largely unexplored. Dr. Struthers emphasizes the importance of public participation in wildlife conservation, urging citizens to report any unusual observations of wildlife that may assist in scientific research and conservation efforts.
In light of the current situation, wildlife researchers and conservationists are urging vigilance among residents to monitor local owl populations and encourage reporting of any concerning findings. The unexpected rise in flammulated owl populations in 2024 calls for heightened attention and action toward maintaining the health of this species amidst changing environmental conditions.
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Additional Resources
- 12 News: 54 Sick Owls Fall from Sky Across Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Flammulated Owl
- West Valley View: Odyssey Teacher to Study Owls This Summer
- Google Search: Owls in Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Owl
- Google News: Flammulated Owls Die-Off
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
