Nearly a month after oil spilled into San Francisco Bay, oiled wildlife experts continue to rehabilitate and release oiled birds. To date, 347 washed birds have been set free. Video of bird release
There have been nearly 2,400 confirmed deaths since the Cosco Busan container ship struck the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on November 7 and spilled 58,000 gallons of bunker crude oil. At least 1,750 arrived dead following the spill. Another 650 died or were euthanized during care at the OWCN/IBRRC Cordelia bird center.
Avian experts and biologist fear that 5 to 10 times the amount of bird deaths may actually end up taking place. That death figure estimates are based on birds that may have landed in the oil and then flown out of the area to die. San Francisco Chronicle story
My thanks to IBRRC volunteer Jean Shirley for the bird release photo and video.
This is a GREAT blog. Your information has been just what I wanted to know and beyond. The links are great too. I especially have appreciated getting up-to-date bird numbers. Thanks!
Thanks for your comments.
We’re glad the our SF oil spill blog has been helpful to the public.
It’s our hope that it sheds more light on the horrible effects that an oil spill causes on animals, the environment and the public. And also the good that can be done by trained staff and supportive volunteers.
IBRRC has always felt that with a proper response, the impact on birds during a spill can be mitigated.