As of today, IBRRC’s Los Angeles Center has now received a total of 130 non-oiled birds since the beginning of last week’s storms. 107 of these birds were pelicans. In addition, 9 oiled birds from natural seep and 6 oiled birds from the spill in Huntington Beach have been received.
The center is shutting its doors to pelicans and other birds being transferred from other wildlife centers for the next 48 hours to help cope with the influx of wildlife casualties.
IBRRC’s San Francisco Bay Center has now received 50 pelicans and expect another 20 in the coming days. A number of ducks (including buffleheads and canvasbacks) have also arrived, some that have been shot and others downed by the storms.
We will be trying our best to keep updating these numbers.
Media report:
KTLA-TV: Hundreds of Pelicans Rescued After Latest Storms
If you need volunteers to assist, post information in this blog .. would feel good lending a hand.
One question, why are the oil spill birds being transferred to San Pedro instead of the OWCN facility (Wetlands and Wildlife) in Huntington Beach? Doesn't the physical act of transferring birds to San Pedro further risk their welfare (stress)? Sounds like the San Pedro Center is bogged down with caring for pelicans and could use the extra space (even if transfer stress were a non issue).
Keep the updates coming ..
Hi David,
Thanks for your note. The decision to transport oiled birds to the San Pedro facility was made by the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN). The San Pedro facility always seems to have oiled birds from November to March from natural seeps. So, we more or less add these birds to the ongoing oiled bird care efforts at the center and we make sure we allocate space and staff for oiled birds as it really is the main purpose of the facility.
Although we are full of pelicans we continue our ongoing work with oiled birds. So far only one of the oiled birds has died but it was in poor shape to begin with. As far as transport goes, as long as the birds are stable then it is OK to transport them without much stress. The transport time from Huntington Beach to San Pedro is 30 to 45 minutes.
We learned and proved over and over again in Alaska and other remote places that when we had no choice but to transport birds then the birds did well if the transportation guidelines were followed. We have discovered that a dark and warm box is equally as safe and secure as a stationary cage so I think that this did not put any additional stress on the birds.
Yesterday Debbie McGuire told me that Wetlands and Wildlife got in 27 pelicans in 2 days. So, looks like they are feeling the crunch also.
Thanks for writing.
Jay Holcomb
IBRRC, Executive Director
Hi,
I saw someone speak at my bird club once about the center. I have gone to visit 3 or 4 times but it was never open.
What assistance could be given by the community? do you need extra towels, soap, toothbrushes?(I am a dental hygienist). It is probably too much to provide training when you are in progress with your work; but if you can accept new volunteers , let us know.
Do you need food, coffee for volunteers? people appreciate the work you do and would probably try to help as can.
thank you all,
Mary