12/27/2025
Sadly, we found two barn owls dead in one of the Twin Barns. Our biologist and his assistant put on protective gear and carefully collected them to send to a lab for testing. The results: the owls died of avian influenza; but the collectors are safe and well, thanks to their precautions. If you find a dead bird, don't touch! If it's at the refuge, call us. Off-refuge, report to WDFW: https://www.northcascadesaudubon.org/reporting-avian-flu
To learn more about the disease: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza
Photo credit: Jan Wieser