El Nino sends seabirds far beyond their range

Rare seabirds from the cold waters off Peru and Chile are appearing in unusually large numbers along Panama’s Pacific coast as a powerful El Nino disrupts ocean temperatures and marine food supplies.

The birds have moved far beyond their normal range after warmer waters pushed anchovies, sardines and other fish away from traditional feeding areas.

Researchers say the unusual sightings show how quickly changing ocean conditions can disrupt marine ecosystems, and that El Nino is stronger this year.

Blue-footed boobies, normally seen in the Gulf of Panama, have gathered in much larger numbers near Panama City since June. 

Data from eBird shows between 60 and 400 birds in some areas, compared with fewer during previous El Nino events.

Scientists say the warming ocean reduces the supply of nutrients reaching surface waters, weakening marine productivity and limiting food for seabirds. The disruption could also affect breeding and reproductive success.

If ocean conditions return to normal, the birds may leave as quickly as they arrived.