Experts say the "confronting" sights that greeted NSW beachgoers was likely caused by bad weather, though other factors could also have been at play.

Key points:

  • Birdlife Australia says “wreck” events are “confronting”, but not unusual
  • It is suspected that stormy weather or an ocean warming event may have caused the deaths
  • Some birds are being euthanased and others are being moved to safe places to recuperate