The scientists are able to run toxicology, heavy metal and tissue analyses to determine cause of death.
A notable instance of this capability in use was during the mass die-off of birds, primarily red-winged blackbirds, in Beebe, Arkansas, on December 31, 2010.
The NWHC determined the die-off to be the result of blunt trauma, most likely caused when the birds were frightened out of their nests at night by fireworks.
[2] In addition to the main facility in Madison, Wisconsin, the NWHC maintains a field station in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Honolulu field station is responsible for researching diseases that affect Pacific Ocean wildlife, including birds, sea turtles, and coral reefs.