Stewards of the Earth
Taking Action Every Day
International Bird Rescue’s wildlife clinics are open year-round to provide critical care to seabirds beyond treating oiled wildlife. In 2020 alone, rehabilitation teams admitted over 2,800 birds between our two California clinic locations. These patients were brought to us by the general public and affiliated wildlife groups. Our focus has been to act toward balance with the natural world by rescuing waterbirds in crisis – since 1971 we’ve cared for more than 125,000 birds and the count continues.
Waterbirds and a Changing Global Environment
The Pacific Flyway is a major north-south thruway for migratory birds traveling anywhere between Alaska and Patagonia. Many of these animals are indicator species, meaning that the changes in their patterns or habits may be signals for a change in the environment. Many experts believe that critical hardships faced by pelicans, murres, and loons could be related to environmental shifts caused by warming oceans, pollution, collapsing fish stocks, and harmful algal blooms. Our work is closely connected to these dynamics. Seabirds provide a constant indication of the status of many important fish populations, including sardines and anchovies – both key links in the oceanic food chain.