Helping Birds in the Gulf of Mexico

Oil-soaked Brown Pelican

Thousands of birds along the Gulf coast have become victims of the BP oil disaster. Not since the wreck of the Exxon Valdez in Prince Edward Sound, Alaska have we seen such ecological devistation on so massive a scale! "This spill will be lasting for years if not decades," said Doug Inkley, senior scientist at the National Wildlife Federation.

It is very frustrating watching the news each day and feeling so helpless. In the long-term it seems that disasters like this might be prevented with the renewed focus from the oil companies, drilling companies and the federal, state and local governments. Certainly lessons learned from this will help prevent future catastrophies.

But what can we do now? Should you jump in your car with a big tub, a brush and a bottle of Dawn dishwashing detergent and drive to the Gulf? Well...no. But here are some ways you can help right now.

The National Wildlife Federation is organizing cleanup teams and accepting donations to help the birds. Learn more>>

Are you skilled in Wildlife observation? Volunteer for the NWF Gulf Coast Surveillance Team

Here is a fascinating article written for Audubon magazine by Roger Tory Peterson about wildlife and oil spills - in 1942!

Watch the Gulf Oil spill trajectory     Cleaning Oil from birds

 

In an "unrelated" story, the Alaotra Grebe has just been officially declared extinct.