Here's a link to a sad story (sick birds) but with some hope too. I'm thankful for the people who are volunteering and donating to help these birds. We need to help those who can't help themselves.
Foreign algae sickening hundreds of sea birds
10:26 AM PDT on Friday, October 23, 2009
By KGW.com Staff
LONG BEACH, Wash. – Wildlife rescuers were treating hundreds of seabirds on the Southwest Washington coast after they came in contact with a foreign sea foam algae that’s toxic to their feathers.
Dr. Virginia Huang of Oregon’s Wildlife Center of the North Coast said as the algae die and decay, they produce a slimy foam that strips the natural waterproofing from the birds’ feathers, leaving the birds starving, dehydrated and hypothermic.
The birds affected include the Common Murres, Loons, and Surf Scoters.
Churning currents and waves from a recent Alaska storm have only increased the problem, officials said.
Churning currents and waves from a recent Alaska storm have only increased the problem, officials said.
The agency has taken in at least nearly 300 hundred birds in the last two days with more sick birds continuing to be brought in.
Wildlife officials say they need donations to cover the costs to feed and care for the birds, used towels, large dog kennels, and bleach, along with experienced volunteers.
Anyone that rescues the birds was asked to place the bird in a box and keep it in a warm and dry area. Do not give it food or water or try to wash the bird -- and call the Wildlife Center of the North Coast at (503) 338-0331.
Anyone that rescues the birds was asked to place the bird in a box and keep it in a warm and dry area. Do not give it food or water or try to wash the bird -- and call the Wildlife Center of the North Coast at (503) 338-0331.
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