During the Ventura oil incident in November 2025, responders Dan Vega and Alex Carver faced an unusual challenge. An oiled grebe was surrounded by sea lions, making a typical capture impossible. Watch the animated reenactment to see how it all happened.
A large, all-black heron spotted in Slidell, LA, sparked major debate in the birding community on social media this past week, with many assuming the bird had a rare genetic condition called melanism. In reality, it was a Great Blue Heron coated in oil.
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.
Since November 3, 2025, 109 oiled Western Grebes – long-necked diving birds that spend most of their lives on the water – have been admitted for critical care.
More than three decades after the Exxon Valdez oil spill on March 24, 1989, oiled wildlife response has advanced dramatically—thanks in part to International Bird Rescue.
This month marks the 35th anniversary of the February 7, 1990 American Trader Spill, a pivotal event in the history of wildlife rescue. Looking back at photos from that time, it’s clear how much has changed in the way we respond to wildlife crises.
An oiled Common Murre rescued on Christmas Day is starting the new year on a hopeful note – thanks to a swift rescue and expert care.
Eight Brandt’s Cormorants are recovering at the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care and Education Center (managed by International Bird Rescue) after they were found oiled on the coast of Huntington Beach between March 8 and 16.
Following recent west coast storms, staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly, washing more than 40 waterbirds contaminated with oil from natural seep.
A total of 19 birds – mostly oiled Common Murres – are in care at International Bird Rescue, after recent California storms. The contaminated birds were transferred on February 9 from wildlife centers in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Marin Counties.