This is a large oil spill response for IBRRC. Not it terms of the gallons spilled but the amount of oiled birds being seen by the public and our response team members.
There is great frustration when we can not get to each bird we see oiled. Some of them are hard to catch; others can difficult to reach in spots where mud, currents and obstructions prevent us from safely approaching.
There’s also been a number of dedicated but frustrated folks who have spotted oiled birds in the field. When they called the original 877-823-6926 number to report their findings, the number was busy or not operating. I can tell you I’ve tried the number a couple times and it kicks over to voice mail.
Note: The new new number to report oil birds is (415) 701-2311
Honestly, the system isn’t perfect but if I know our partner, Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN), its working quickly to solve this problem. With the governor’s state of emergency declaration Friday, maybe the solutions will be here sooner.
Let’s hope.
To all the volunteers working to clean birds, other animals, and beaches… you are wonderful and your efforts are greatly appreciated.
It is hard gruelling work. And there will be many animals that do not make it.
On behalf of the millions of people who can not be there with you please know that we love you.
Take good care of yourselves, for the birds’ sake.
I’ve been out of touch, this is the first I’ve heard…THANK YOU to all the volunteers, the rescuers, the donations (I’ll be making one)…I’m so so sorry…
Linda