Pelicans Hit Hard By SoCal Storms, Coastal Runoff
Rescued Pelican (Photo: International Bird Rescue Research Center in San Pedro / January 21, 2010)
SAN PEDRO -- Heavy rains and flooding are taking their toll on California's Brown Pelicans. Dozens of birds suffering from hypothermia and other ailments are being brought to rescue clinics.
The pelicans are not only affected by the cold, fierce weather but also by the oil, grease and other contaminants washing into the ocean as a result of storm water run-off, according to experts.
Suffering from hypothermia, the lucky ones are being brought to the International Bird Rescue Research Center in San Pedro, near Los Angeles Harbor.
Center spokesman Paul Kelway says the incessant rain has prevented the birds from getting dry and that has weakened their immune systems. At least two birds were found dead and two more died after arriving at the center. Kelway says most are doing well. The center has received 25 pelicans in the last 48 hours and more birds are expected over the coming days.
"Seabird feathers provide a natural barrier to water, as well as insulation from the cold" said International Bird Rescue and Research Center's director, Jay Holcomb. "These pelicans are getting cold and wet because the water quality is so poor right now and these added contaminants are preventing the feathers from doing their job."
"As well as coping with the storms, many of the pelicans we have received have seal bite injuries, a result of feeding frenzies due to commercial and public fishing. These injuries make it even more difficult for the birds to cope with the severe weather conditions out there this week."
Over the next week, workers will feed the birds, warm them up, wash them off and get them ready for release.
The center is asking for donations to help support the care of these animals. To help save these pelicans please go to www.ibrrc.org.
If anyone comes across sick or injured seabirds they should call International Bird Rescue Research Center at (310) 514-2573.
The pelicans are not only affected by the cold, fierce weather but also by the oil, grease and other contaminants washing into the ocean as a result of storm water run-off, according to experts.
Suffering from hypothermia, the lucky ones are being brought to the International Bird Rescue Research Center in San Pedro, near Los Angeles Harbor.
Center spokesman Paul Kelway says the incessant rain has prevented the birds from getting dry and that has weakened their immune systems. At least two birds were found dead and two more died after arriving at the center. Kelway says most are doing well. The center has received 25 pelicans in the last 48 hours and more birds are expected over the coming days.
"Seabird feathers provide a natural barrier to water, as well as insulation from the cold" said International Bird Rescue and Research Center's director, Jay Holcomb. "These pelicans are getting cold and wet because the water quality is so poor right now and these added contaminants are preventing the feathers from doing their job."
"As well as coping with the storms, many of the pelicans we have received have seal bite injuries, a result of feeding frenzies due to commercial and public fishing. These injuries make it even more difficult for the birds to cope with the severe weather conditions out there this week."
Over the next week, workers will feed the birds, warm them up, wash them off and get them ready for release.
The center is asking for donations to help support the care of these animals. To help save these pelicans please go to www.ibrrc.org.
If anyone comes across sick or injured seabirds they should call International Bird Rescue Research Center at (310) 514-2573.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment