Things Not Killing Birds

Birds have been dying in suspiciously large numbers near the mouth of the Santa Ana River.  Since February 4, approximately 60 dead and dying birds from the area have been brought to the Wetlands and Wildlife Center, and the bodies of more dead birds have been spotted in the area around the river's mouth.  No cause was immediately apparent, so tests were ordered, and the results are in, reports the Huntington Beach Independent.

The usual suspects were rounded up-- parasites, fungus, cancer, toxic effects of red tide-- and found not guilty.  So what is killing the birds?  According to the Independent, "The latest testing does indicate a toxin, but no more specific information is available."  Not entirely helpful, and not exactly reassuring.  Just one more chapter in that never ending story, What the hell is in OC's water?