Review of harmful algal bloom effects on birds with implications for avian wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay region

•Many global events in which algal toxins and HABs have adversely affected wild birds.•21-year summary of HAB events that seemingly affected Chesapeake Bay wildlife.•Dominant toxin in Chesapeake drainage with consequences to wildlife are microcystins.•Robust criteria needed to diagnosis algal toxicosis and risks to wildlife.