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More than 175 mass death events, in which more than 1,000 birds died, have been reported to the National Wildlife Heath Center in the past 10 years. Causes for those die-offs included disease, weather, poisoning, trauma and starvation. But Griffin said the Utah downing was notable among the ones she's seen because it was so widespread. Downed flocks were reported all over Cedar City, and as far as 30 miles south. "I've been here 15 years, and this was the worst downing I've seen," she told the newspaper. Wildlife officials said they were continuing the rescue effort that started Tuesday afternoon and included residents collecting grebes
-- which weigh about a pound -- and delivering them in cardboard boxes to the wildlife department's office. Officers said once they dropped the birds into bodies of water in southern Utah's Washington County, including a pond near Hurricane, the water-loving creatures were "very active." Many of the birds had broken wings or other injuries from the accident. Wildlife agency spokesman Lynn Chamberlain said the birds' hollow bones can heal, although humans can't do much to help the process. Keeping them in water -- where they have food and won't have to fly
-- improves their chances. "We're giving them the best shot they can," Chamberlain said. "The likelihood is that most of them will survive."
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