Dozens of shore birds killed by driver on beach

By Associated Press

Summary

Authorities in Washington state say a young motorist repeatedly drove through flocks of shore birds on a beach, killing dozens of them.

Story Published: Jun 29, 2009 at 9:44 AM PST

Story Updated: Jun 29, 2009 at 2:05 PM PST

Dozens of shore birds killed by driver on beach

This Caspian Tern suffered a broken wing during an incident involving a pickup truck mowing down shore birds on the southwest Washington coast. The bird was treated at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast in Astoria.

OCEAN PARK, Wash. (AP) - Authorities in Washington state say a young motorist repeatedly drove through flocks of shore birds on a beach, killing dozens of them.

State Fish and Wildlife Sgt. Dan L. Chadwick says he has the bodies of 34 birds killed near the coastal town of Ocean Park.

One bird was taken to a wildlife rescue center with a broken wing.

Chadwick said the young man could face a $5,000 fine and a year in jail for each dead and injured bird.

He said the 20-year-old man drove up and down the beach for three hours Friday with two friends, roaring through flocks of gulls and other birds at 40 to 60 mph.

Chadwick said the driver turned himself in and is cooperating with authorities.

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