Such deaths are unusual at this time of year in Iceland and their cause is unknown. The widespread deaths of Kittiwakes cannot be attributed to bird flu, according to Brigitte Brugger of the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). Samples from the birds analysed by MAST ruled out the illness. While bird flu is unlikely to be the cause, extreme weather may be a possible explanation.

Warming seas appear to have led to a large reduction in the number of puffins around Iceland in recent decades.

Horned Puffin sighted near Smith Island in the Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca, WA.

Over 100 dead puffins, mostly tufted, have been found in Saint George, Alaska.

Several ill or dead tufted and horned puffins were found on the shores of St. Paul Island.