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 affiliate) — San Antonio
· 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 Terrell Hills News
While the marine heat wave and seabird die-off are occurring off the California coast, the implications of this event can be felt in Terrell Hills , where many residents take pride in their connection to the natural world. As a community that values environmental stewardship, the news of widespread seabird deaths serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change. The fact that El Nino is expected to worsen the die-off is particularly concerning, as it highlights the complex and interconnected nature of our planet's ecosystems. For residents of Terrell Hills, this story may prompt questions about the health of local wildlife and the potential impacts of climate change on Texas ecosystems. As the community continues to grow and develop, it will be important to consider the ways in which local actions can contribute to a larger effort to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect vulnerable species.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills 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 affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
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 affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Julie Watson, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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