James D. Banks, right and Dr. Jeff Rodzen, left, examine dead terns that were frozen to preserve them. The pair are forensic wildlife agents for the California department of Fish and Game. They examine dead animals to determine causes of death. Their assessments are often used in court cases. (Robert Durell / LAT)
Frozen tern are shown at the California state department of Fish and Game forensic labs. (Robert Durell / LAT)
James D. Banks enters one of the cold storage areas at the DFG forensic lab. He is one of two forensic wildlife agents for the California department of Fish and Game. (Robert Durell / LAT)
A dead bird with a piece of metal inside is seen through an x-ray device. (Robert Durell / LAT)
Animal intestinal organs that were found by a wildlife agent sit inside a bottle. (Robert Durell / LAT)
