Juvenile Ancient Murrelet found in Sheridan, Ore.

Last week, a juvenile Ancient Murrelet was found by the side of the road in Sheridan, Ore., and brought to the Wildlife Care Center. It's not clear how the young bird ended up in Sheridan.

The seabird died the next day, illustrating an unfortunate reality of wildlife rehabilitation - despite our best efforts, we sometimes receive animals that are beyond help or medical care.

The Wildlife Care Center is not equipped to provide long-term care for seabirds, so staff had initially planned to transfer the murrelet to the Wildlife Center of the North Coast. Located in Astoria, Ore., the coastal facility is run by Sharnelle Fee, a past Portland Audubon volunteer.

Ancient Murrelets are widespread throughout the north Pacific and are the only seabirds to raise their young entirely at sea.

An Ancient Murrelet during an exam at the Wildlife Care Center - Tinsley Hunsdorfer