An oiled bird’s care doesn’t end with stabilization or wash. Often the wash is just the beginning. We’ve recently admitted more than 120 Western Grebes who were affected by an oil slick off the coast of Ventura, CA. All of them were stranded on land before rescue. Grebes are not built for land, and sitting too long on hard surfaces can cause secondary injuries beyond the typical burns we’d expect from exposure to oil. They remain vulnerable to additional hazards while stranded, even predators may attack them while helpless on the beach.
Before, during, and after being washed, our team keeps an eye out for injuries that will need attention later, and flag birds with injuries for veterinary evaluation. Some of these injuries may even require surgery. Here are some common injuries we’re finding:
Keel, Hock, and Toe Lesions
When grebes beach themselves, they commonly develop keel, hock, and toe lesions from spending extended time on hard surfaces or from trying to walk. Their legs and feet are very delicate, and their keel – the breastbone that bears most of their weight while resting out of water – is especially prone to sores or open wounds.
Hocks and toes are also vulnerable. Because their legs are built for swimming, the skin can become abraded just by rubbing against the ground. Sometimes this can tear the skin completely off their toe joints. We can treat these injuries and give the birds time to heal, but sometimes with Western Grebes healing can take several months.
Molting Feathers
Many of the birds in our care are also going through active molt, a natural process in which they grow new feathers. While not an injury, these fresh feathers are extremely delicate and can be easily damaged during washing. Because healthy feathers are essential for waterproofing and survival, our team must handle molting birds with extra care, taking more time and precision to ensure the new feathers remain intact while removing oil and contaminants.
Other Injuries
Some oiled birds arrive with traumas beyond the effects of oil, such as fractured beaks or other physical damage. These injuries can result from collisions with boats as well as attacks by predators while the birds are weakened and vulnerable on shore. Some of these injuries require surgical intervention to heal.
Helping Birds Heal
Many oiled birds face a long journey back to the water. Caring for oiled birds takes an expert team to address secondary injuries and complications. Each bird needs time to heal, regain strength, and restore waterproof feathers before it can safely return to the water. Your support is essential in providing the skilled care, resources, and attention these birds need at every step of their recovery. Together, we can give these birds the second chance at life in the wild that they deserve. Click here to support their recovery.