A Wake up Call Volunteers Lend a Big Hand in Spill by Ann Yasuda IBRRC Volunteer Coordinator Want to Help

www.ibrrc.org Fall 2008

A wake up call Volunteers lend a big hand in spill By Ann Yasuda IBRRC Volunteer Coordinator want to help. What can I do?” These words were voiced daily from San Francisco“I Bay Area residents, and from other concerned Northern California residents watching in horror as local news agencies covered the oil spill that resulted from the Cosco Busan striking the Bay Bridge. Images of blackened beaches and helpless sea birds dripping with oil touched a nerve in local residents and emotions ran high as citizens wanted to know more about the spill and where they could go to help. When news spread about the Cosco Busan oil spill, our network volunteers and past oil spill volunteers im- Tiny victim: An Eared Grebe is washed of oil at IBRRC’s bird center during the November 2007 spill that hit mediately called offering their assistance. San Francisco Bay. A container ship spilled more than 50,000 gallons of oil. Photo: Russ Curtis – IBRRC The news quickly spread to the general public that IBRRC needed help and from Cosco Busan oil spill shakes up San Francisco Bay that moment on the phone lines rang non- By Jay Holcomb wake they leave opportunities for growth, stop for the next few weeks. IBRRC Executive Director improvement and reflection. In this case The tremendous number of convergent the opportunities included the promotion he Cosco Busan spill of November 7, volunteers and phone inquiries was stag- of better protection of the San Francisco 2007 is now a part of San Francisco gering at times but necessary to keep T Bay Area and an interest in improving all Bay oil spill history. Granted, its impact all the zones properly staffed and birds aspects of oil spill response in California. does not come close to that of the Oregon moving throughout the system. It was a These are the gifts, if you Standard oil spill in 1971 or humbling sight to see 150 to 180 conver- will, of this spill. An oil the disastrous effects that gent and network volunteers working the spill being called “a gift” the Apex Houston oil spill different areas during the peak of the oil may sound unusual or even had on birds in 1986. Both spill and seeing our facility challenged ridiculous but we at IBRRC of those spills left legacies by the sheer number of birds and humans have learned to look for that included the loss of in close quarters. As always, we were the opportunities that spills tens of thousands of aquatic impressed by all the stories of individuals provide, the silver lining birds that relied on the San willing to sacrifice their weekends, Francisco Bay Area for around them, and we have E refuge. The Cosco Busan oil gained a broader perspec- Continued on Page 11 spill is the first significant tive on oil spills. Let us be clear that we wish they oil spill in San Francisco Busy: Mark Russell of IBRRC Inside this issue Bay since the Cape Mohe- collects oiled birds in Berkeley. did not exist, but they do and will continue to occur gan spill in 1997. It acted New Pelican aviary: Page 3 as a wake up call for the as long as we transport public, government and response agencies petroleum products. So, oil spills and their as it renewed dormant concerns about the impacts are nothing new to us. Some of Eagles caught in goo: Page 4 environmental vulnerability of the San them have been so disastrous and horrific Francisco Bay Area. that they are still difficult for us to talk Unusual bird report: Page 8 about. We work the front lines of oil spills, Oil spills are just plain horrible but in their E Continued on Page 10 Page 2 International Bird Rescue Research Center On the Wing – Fall 2008 soon followed. IBRRC works with The When it rains, it pours International Fund for Animal Welfare By Jay Holcomb (IFAW), to provide response services for oil

Jay Holcomb IBRRC Executive Director spills that impact wildlife around the world. Executive Director Although we have an awesome team of oil t has been a year since the Cosco Busan spill responders in South America, I went Barbara Callahan spill oiled birds and beaches in the San Director of Response Services down specifically to help work with the & IFAW Partnership Coordinator FranciscoI Bay area and began a series of large numbers of grebes and steamer ducks responses. As most Curt Clumpner that had been impacted along with over 200 Pacific Northwest Regional Rep of you know, IBRRC Director’s message Magellanic Penguins. James B. Lewis is no stranger to oil spills. Responding to oil Administrative Manager spills and rehabilitating birds and other ani- As this was commencing we experienced Russ Curtis Technology Manager mals impacted by spills is our unique legacy. another “natural seep” oil spill in Southern In fact, we have now California that kept our Laurie Pyne Development responded to over 200 oil already busy staff at the San Pedro Center busier and San Francisco Oiled Wildlife spills in the US and in 14 Care & Education Center different countries, which exhausted. These types of Fairfield, California probably fits somewhere in spills tend to show up after Michelle Bellizzi large storms that stir up Rehabilitation Manager the world book of records. I wish this were not so, be- natural seep oil. Marie Travers Assistant Rehabilitation Manager cause every spill is really That is how we ended 2007 an environmental disaster Great Grebe, Argentina Monte Merrick and brought in 2008. Oiled Rehabilitation Assistant & Facilities with consequences that are birds everywhere for three Manager just plain horrible and not always known for months, one event after another and many Vann Masvidal decades. To be associated with them just keeps Rehabilitation Technician demands on our clinics and staff. This is the us reminded of their deadly impact and that reality of our type of work. Ann Yasuda they exist and probably will continue to exist Volunteer & Membership Coordinator due to our use of petroleum products. We entered into the early months of 2008, Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care & Education Center The Cosco Busan spill was devastating to leaving the spills behind only to be hit with San Pedro, California wildlife in our precious Bay Area. IBRRC hundreds of sick ducks and grebes that were Julie King worked as part of the Oiled Wildlife Care not oiled but showing up along our coastline. Rehabilitation Manager Network (OWCN) to care for as many oiled Then spring hit and our clinics were filled Erica Lander with baby animals and the usual pelicans with Assistant Rehabilitation Manager birds as we could capture. Right smack in the middle of that spill we began receiving slimed fishing tackle injuries. Heather Henderson but clearly not crude oiled birds from what Rehabilitation Technician Because time has moved so quickly this year & Facilities Technician turned out to be a mystery event around the we decided to fill you in on what we have Heather Nevill, DVM Santa Cruz area. We more or less threw them Volunteer Veternarian been up to. We hope this will inspire you and in the mix and worked to rehabilitate them. Terry Wall inform you. Most importantly, we want you Administrative Assistant In early January we got wind of another large to know that it is because of your support Board Members mystery oil spill off the coast of Southern and kindness we have been able to do this Alice Berkner, IBRRC Founder Argentina and a request for our assistance important work. For this, we are very grateful. Dan Brumlik, Monterey, CA Ron Holten, Chevron Corporation Laurie Pyne, Chicago, IL Dave Weeshoff, Los Angeles, CA New IBRRC blog: A source for more bird rescue news On the Wing ust two days following the Cosco Busan spill on Novem- Vol. 6, No.1 Jber 9, 2007 IBRRC launched its first blog in an effort to Jay Holcomb & Laurie Pyne communicate more with its online supporters and the general Editors Russ Curtis, Design & Production internet community. Contributors: The site allows IBRRC to quickly post photos, videos and Michelle Bellizzi, Karen Benzel, Barbara Callahan, Russ Curtis, Jay stories about its bird rescue efforts. It also gives readers an Holcomb, Laurie Pyne, Marie opportunity to leave feedback and ask questions. Travers and Ann Yasuda. On the Wing is published annually by “Our hope from the start was to connect more deeply with IBRRC for its members, volunteers, readers on the importance of our work,” said Russ Curtis, industry contacts and supporters. IBRRC’s Technology Manager and the blog’s creator and editor. “It also gave us a place to IBRRC – On the Wing 4369 Cordelia Road vent our frustrations and the public’s anger over the bureaucratic snafus following the spill.” Fairfield, CA 94534 (707) 207-0380 See the blog: http://intbirdrescue.blogspot.com/ Online: www.ibrrc.org On the Wing – Fall 2008 International Bird Rescue Research Center Page 3 A place for the pelicans Community support helps build new aviary ach year 150 to 300 sick, injured, or oiled endangered Brown Pelicans are collectively admitted to our California centersE for treatment. Common pelican afflictions that we see are botulism, domoic acid poisoning, entanglement in fishing line, hook and other injuries and various illnesses. Our success with this species is very good as over 80% of the pelicans that we care for are released back into the wild. In 2002 we built a pelican flight aviary approximately 95 feet New: A 100-foot flight aviary at the Fairfield long, 15 feet high and 30 feet wide at our Southern Califor- center allows us to care for more pelicans. nia center. This aviary was unique as it was the only aviary in California that can house over The influx of pelicans was taxing 50 pelicans at a time. In seven our centers, as the San Pedro facility years it has served as a reha- was also receiving unusually large bilitative aviary for over 1,000 numbers of pelicans in their clinic. Brown and White Pelicans and Our fish bill alone climbed to nearly many other seabird species $40,000. When we continued to see including Cormorants, Terns, injured birds, an urgent appeal was Gulls, Frigatebirds, Albatross sent to our membership, who gra- and Boobies. Our Northern ciously responded by helping us with California rehabilitation center much needed funds. had not been able to similarly This year, many individuals elected meet the need for appropriately to become a Pelican Partner, a unique housing pelicans. This center IBRRC program that includes a per- services all of the San Francis- sonal tour of the facility, watching the co Bay area and surrounding federal banding of your pelican and coastal regions. attending and experiencing the magic Ouch: A Brown Pelican caught with of its release back to the wild. For In 2007, thanks to a gener- fish hook in its eye. It was treated and ous grant from the Green released. Photo: Jay Holcomb/\IBRRC more information on pelican adoption Foundation and funding from or the Pelican Partner program go to: the California Department of http://tinyurl.com/4vfgd6 Fish and Game, IBRRC and the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) designed and built a new 100-foot long aviary at the San Francisco Bay Oiled Wildlife Care & Education Center in Winged memorial: Donna Baker Fairfield, CA. onna Baker loved pelicans her entire life. Her sister- The aviary includes pools providing adequate water surface for in-law, Kimberlee, arranged a the pelicans to swim and exercise. It can house up to 75 pelicans tourD for the Baker family at our San at a time. In addition to adequate flight space and pools, extra Pedro center. The experience, which structural support is provided to withstand the strong wind of the was described by the family as “awe Suisun marsh during certain times of the year. The pelican aviary inspiring” culminated in watching two is also fitted with galvanized steel cross-beams and twenty-foot pelicans receive their federal bands by eight-inch poles for a strong foundation and support. and participating in their release as The new flight aviary was completed – just in time – in May they flew back to the Pacific Ocean. 2008, as an overwhelming number of pelicans competed this The Baker’s saw how the 100-foot summer with fishermen for large quantities of schooling fish in pelican aviary at the San Pedro facil- Donna and sons Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay areas. We began receiving an extraor- ity was instrumental in the pelican’s dinary influx of pelicans with entanglement, fish hook and tackle recovery. When they learned that injuries. We were receiving 10-12 birds a day until California the Cordelia center did not have a similar aviary, it was Fish and Game stepped in to close the local piers to fishing. through Donna’s inspiration that a matching grant was cre- Location Fishing line injuries Intakes as of 10/15/08 ated to build a new pelican aviary in Northern California.

San Pedro 75 230 Donna passed away from cancer at the age of 47 on Febru- ary 16, 2008 leaving two young sons and a husband, but Cordelia 89 210 her memory lives on at our Fairfield pelican aviary. Totals 164 440 Page 4 International Bird Rescue Research Center On the Wing – Fall 2008 Bald Eagles stuck in gooey fish oil rescued in Alaska By Karen Benzel Bird TLC to oversee the washing process IBRRC reporter and train BTLC staff to wash and rinse hen 50 Bald Eagles eyed a free the birds effectively. It went well except Wmeal at a fish processing plant in for one bird who was in critical condition Kodiak, Alaska on January 12, 2008, on arrival with a low body temperature what followed was tragic and deadly. and suffering from exhaustion. That bird A dump truck full of oily fish guts that died Monday evening. was supposed to be covered became a After washing and rinsing, the eagles death trap when the hungry birds landed went into cages and were dried with on it. Twenty-two became mired in the commercial dryers blowing warm air quicksand-like goo and suffocated while on them. When dry, their feathers were thirty others became covered in oil as thoroughly checked, particularly under they gorged themselves. Workers at the the wings and legs to see if any oil was Ocean Beauty Seafood plant had to dump still present. Living in a cold and wet the load on the floor of the plant in order climate, waterproofing is critical to Eagles on the mend: Bald eagles rests at Anchor- to get to the victims. age, Alaska bird center. Photo: Dave Dorsey/BTLC survival. If necessary they undergo spot Bald Eagles, our nation’s symbol, are salmon, one hundred pounds a day, that cleaning to become, well, spotless. protected by federal law. When US Fish the eagles would need while in care. After the wash and dry process, birds and Wildlife was summoned, they arrived usually require at least a couple of to find the surviving birds helpless and The arrival of the first 18 eagles (one un- weeks of reconditioning time to become in critical condition from being wet with oiled eagle was sent in with these) went waterproof and medically fit. During oil and hypothermic from being in below smoothly but 13 got stuck in Kodiak this time, BTLC staff misted the birds freezing temperatures. USFWS personnel when the weather turned bad. Luckily with water several times per day, which attempted to wash some of the birds but a window of opportunity allowed them encouraged the birds to preen and realign they clearly needed expert help. Fish to fly out and they arrived at AWRC the their feathers. oil is one of the hardest oils to remove evening of January 14. Each bird received a permanent federal from bird’s feathers and if any oil or soap Upon intake the eagles were examined, band which will identify them for life, residue remained on the eagles, their weighed, had blood work done and their should they ever come into care again. waterproofing would be compromised; temperatures taken. The washing process Of the remaining 29 birds, all but one they would die if released. takes about an hour, lots of warm water, was able to be transported back to Kodiak U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) unscented Dawn dish detergent and three Island and released. The last remaining contacted IBRRC’s Director of Response or four handlers. It is a very stressful eagle is still in care at Bird TLC. Services, Barbara Callahan, and asked process for the birds, who normally for assistance and guidance to try to save would avoid humans at all costs. Due to Ocean Beauty Seafood is being these birds. Their best hope of survival the stress involved in washing, birds must investigated by the USFWS who will was to get them to IBRRC’s center in her be medically stabilized before they are determine if charges will be filed. hometown, Anchorage, AK. The Alaska sent to wash, which usually takes at least IBRRC thanks the following groups: Wildlife Response Center (AWRC), a couple of days and are then monitored Bird TLC: http://www.birdtlc.net/ created in 1991, was specifically set closely during the washing process. up to wash and rehabilitate oiled birds. IBRRC’s Barbara Callahan worked with USFWS: http://www.fws.gov/ During the Exxon Valdez, IBRRC staff successfully washed and rehabilitated 32 eagles. Although dedicated to waterfowl “Gigi” the rescued pelican in new film production and aquatic birds, IBRRC has washed udy Irving, producer/director of The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, has started many different species, including raptors a new documentary tentatively entitled Pelican Dreams. The film and mammals. Online, AWRC: http:// willJ feature “Gigi” (aka “P-193”), the young brown pelican who tinyurl.com/3kmkwk recently landed on the roadway of the Golden Gate Bridge. After When the AWRC is not being used for oil being brought to WildCare in San Rafael, Gigi was transferred to spills, it is utilized by Bird TLC a non- IBRRC’s new pelican aviary in Cordelia, where she recuperated profit organization dedicated to helping for one month. At first she was underweight and exhausted, but sick and injured birds in need. Bird with rest and lots of fish she regained her strength and energy, and TLC’s staff and volunteers also sprang was released back to the wild on September 12th. Pelican Dreams into action, readying the center for the could become a feature documentary if funding can be secured to arrival of such important patients, turning film at the Channel Islands and additional locations. A two-disc “Collector’s Edi- up the heat to 80 degrees so the birds tion” of the Wild Parrots film is available:http://www.pelicanmedia.org/store.htm would be warm and arranging for the On the Wing – Fall 2008 International Bird Rescue Research Center Page 5 International spill response team’s presence continues to grow or more than a decade, International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) and the InternationalF Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) have been teaming up to respond to large-scale oiled wildlife events, provide training and con- sultation to industry and governments and are now recognized around the world as a premier wildlife rescue team. IBRRC and IFAW have both brought techni- cal expertise and experience around the world through this partnership and have been effective in helping tens of thousands of animals. In November of last year, while most of the Before release: Sergio A. Rodriguez Heredia grades a penguin to see if it’s fully waterproof. Valeria Ruoppolo IBRRC team was busy with the Cosco Busan (above) examines a juvenile penguin before release. spill in San Francisco, IBRRC Director of Re- sponse Services, Barbara Callahan, along with IFAW Emergency Response (ER) Veterinarian, Valeria Ruop- The government has located the responsible party for the spill polo, flew to the Black Sea in Russia to help assess the oiled and that party is required to help with clean up costs and some of wildlife situation that occurred when several ships sank during a the wildlife costs. violent storm. The Russian Ministry of the Environment made a Shortly after the spill in Patagonia, IBRRC and IFAW staff were special request to the IFAW Russia office for our team to come back in Argentina, attending the First Latin American Congress and assist. Unfortunately, by the time the request came, there on the Rehabilitation of Marine Fauna, which IFAW helped was little we could do on the ground for that spill. We have since sponsor. Team members from both organizations were asked been working with the Russian Ministry to provide training in to share their experience and training by providing keynote ad- oiled wildlife response. In January 2008, IBRRC hosted a week dresses or present talks on oiled wildlife response and aquatic long training in oiled wildlife response and management for bird rehabilitation. Over 300 people from 8 Latin American a group of 10 from Russia and the Ukraine. This information countries attended this first Congress. sharing is a cornerstone of the work that IBRRC and IFAW do together as it continually increases capacity in places that have In June of 2008, the team responded to Uruguay to assist with little or no oil spill response experience. penguins oiled from a tanker spill, this one right near Montevi- deo. Last year, the team worked with the SOCOBIOMA group In late December 2007, there was a mystery spill in the south of who already was caring for the oiled birds. When the team Argentina and it didn’t take long for the team to decide it had to arrived, there were over 100 penguins in care. The Municipality respond to the oiled wildlife in the pristine waters of Patagonia. of Punta del Estes provided a water park for the response. On- By the first of the year, over 400 birds including Magellanic pen- scene Coordinator was IFAW’s Valeria Ruoppolo and strategic guins and Great grebes were being cared for by the Fundación planning and logistical support were provided by IBRRC’s Jay Patagonia Natural and they needed assistance. The first wave Holcomb and Barbara Callahan. of IFAW/IBRRC team members to arrive in Patagonia were the In addition to the 139 oiled penguins and grebes, there was a Latin American contingent, followed closely by IBRRC Direc- giant petrel admitted that was released after care. In total, 128 tor, Jay Holcomb and Rehabilitation Manager, Michelle Bellizzi. birds were successfully rehabilitated and released. In the days ahead, team members arrived from IFAW headquar- In October 2008, the ER Team, along with colleagues from the ters in Massachusetts, as well as from Mexico and Germany. Center for the Recovery of Marine Animals (CRAM), Institute This very unique team, one that has managed the largest oiled for Aquatic Mammals (IMA) and the environmental authority in wildlife responses in the world included Jay Holcomb who man- Brazil, IBAMA, successfully rehabilitated and released young aged the team caring for nearly 20,000 oiled African penguins Magellanic Penguins that had been stranded in Brazil hundreds during the Treasure spill. This direct experience and training of miles from their usual feeding grounds. According to penguin positions us well for responding to disasters such as this mystery researcher, Dr. Dee Boersma, the flow of warmer water (1° C spill in Patagonia. higher than normal) caused the juvenile penguins to keep head- Over the course of the following two months, team members ing north where they were unable to find adequate food. and staff from Fundación Patagonia Natural set up a rehabilita- Later the team made history by releasing 372 penguins together tion center and cared for over 600 oiled birds. The total number after being flown south on a military C-130 transport plane. of birds that were brought into care in Patagonia was 642 and “We are overjoyed to see these penguins waddle back to the of those, more than 312 were released. A large number of the ocean and have a second chance at life,” said veterinarian Dr. birds treated were Great grebes who are very difficult to handle Valeria Ruoppolo of the ER Team. in captivity and most died or had to be euthanized due to severe keel lesions. Read more on the IBRRC blog: http://tinyurl.com/53tjb2 Page 6 International Bird Rescue Research Center On the Wing – Fall 2008

Schools and community organizations Nancy DE Marino With appreciation Peggy Jett Marin Primary School Jacqueline S. Wilson Boy Scouts Pack 733, San Pedro t is through the generous support of all our con- Amy L Prudhomme Girl Scouts of Northern California Anil K Peggerla Itributors that we are able to help as many birds Girls Scout Troop 1292 as we do. With this issue of “On the Wing” we Manina Chuon Carol Alban and Musicians First L. A. Olsen recognize the supporters of IBRRC. We endeavor St. Paul’s Church to continue to evolve and grow our organization MS Linglan WU Napa Solano Audubon Radhika Godavarthi in our service to wildlife and to the public, and Sequoia Audubon we are very grateful for all the generous gifts Mary June Sheffield received. Foundations and Conservation organizations Kathy S Rakestraw Herbert Anthony (tony) Luce Thank you! This list is current from January 1, 2008. We Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund Jeffrey W Nelson apologize if we have missed anyone. Please bring Seaworld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Jin-Shoui Wu errors to the attention of the Development office: The San Francisco Foundation John D Whitney IBRRC couldn’t do it without your help (707) 207-0380 Ext. 105 or [email protected]. Y & H Soda Foundation A.M. Mosel The Maxygen Foundation, an advised Fund of the Bonnie B. Spore Alan L. Fung Partnerships & Contracts Silicon Valley Community Foundation Shanna Quinn AAron Roof Master BP Fabric of America Fund Amber Sumrall Christine M. Leu Alaska Chadux Corporation Linda and Richard Donner Foundation Olivia Garcia Beverly E. Bates Alaska Clean Seas Gap Foundation Gerald Mix Lisa Brown Alyeska Pipeline Service Diageo North America Foundation Roseanne Manina Kathryn Coleman Clean Rivers Co-op Lenetta Richardson Angus Alexander Chevron Corporation Members and Supporters (Since 1/1/2008) David Erfle April Mitchell ConocoPhillips, Incorporated Cecilia L Ryan John V. McCarthy Alice Ricketts Coos Bay Response Co-op Dennis Bunting Ronald Gould Doran Richart Exxon Corporation/Sea River Maritime Loren L. Carlington Jerilyn Quesnel Richard Brunt Flopec Fred McElhouy Deborah Klemin Jitsirin Tulalamba Foss Maritime Roberta M Williams Stefanie Musgrove Dorothy Y. Laird International Fund for Animal Welfare Katie Chaplin Katrina Wreede Janet Ashby Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Leslie Eppick Loren L. Carlington L.F. Ochsner Navy Sup/Salv/GPC Trisha Lee Susan Falcone Nanci Vanschoelandt Oiled Wildlife Care Network Loren L. Carlington Toby M. Horn Rosemarie Scholz PLAINS All American Pipeline Tim D Downey Kim M. Ron Georgia Z Tattu Sause Brother’s Ocean Towing Claire G. Lash Shantelle Baker John Galeotti Tidewater Barge Lines, Inc. Kerma Campbell Christine Cohen Brenda Pitts Janet K. Shaw Tracy L. Clark Brian Dunne Michael A. Yagjian Sherry Bilsing Corporate sponsors Kristen Levin Robin K. Wilson Lenetta Richardson Carol Reom Procter & Gamble Reginald T Garcia Terry L. Hammerwold Georgia Z Tattu Chevron Corporation (El Segundo) Christine C. Kelly Amber Blanc Rebecca Lee Garnett Foss Maritime Company Madelaine L. Burgess Raymond Durkee Leslie Ochsner Anheuser-Busch, Fairfield, CA Lauren M Shannon Meredith Wills K.M. Cox Southern California Edison Kasin Tuman Margaret Panton Stephen Brocchini Marathon Oil Corporation Mara Reid Rogers Cindy J. Cobb Georgia Tattu Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Teri Crawford Brenda Pitts Sweetwater Gun Club REI Mark Galloway Bruce C. Juell George Schmid Exxon Mobil, San Pedro Karen Glenn Kim Mosler Andrew D. Azevedo Kyocera Mita America, Inc. Keith Turner Kelly Marie Williams Ellen E. Wulf IBM Harriet Moss Daryl L. George Andrew Gospodarek Half Price Books Sue D Pinkham Diana Leon Paulette A. Defalco Adobe Systems William G. Shank Kevin A Henderson Carol A Sawdey Phoenix American Incorporated Sheryl B Nadeau Loren L. Carlington Sharon Beringer Oracle Corporation Loren L. Carlington Pamela L. Vierling Robert Lelievr The Wisemen Co., LLC Julie Liberante Yuri Kantor Jennifer Hasson Philip Togni Vineyard, LP The Wiseman Co. LLC Robin Dreiling Linda L Watts Foundation Constructors, Inc. Julie N Rowe Mira Tweti Sarah Radosevich Boeing Terry L Wall Suzanne Licht Susan M. Justice A.S.A.P. Professional Services Christine F. Morrow Rebecca Lee Garnett Van Nguyen Heffernan Insurance Brokers Jennifer R Sauers Micah Neumark Ann McClain Mallory Service Buildings, Inc. Karina Aksenov Kerry Riel Ruth A Block Calabasas Center of Dynamic Living James D. Brink Brendan Moorehead Nils Hagberg Odyssey Power Lawrence Thompson Jamie J. Hanna Kris Butcher Oakland Aircraft Jay Greenspan Jan C. Bishop Elisa Kleven Kroger/Ralphs Cynthia A Boyer Millie F. Hopes AliphCom Craig Knoblock Anderson Staffing Leslie Will Barclay’s Global Investory Carol Soloski California State Automobile Association (CSAA) Dovid Coplon Center for Traditional Health Pamela Francisco Emergency Management and Safety Solutions Stephanie K. Thomas Valero Benicia Refinery Kathleen Zapoticky Enterprise Rent-a Car Heather Locke Parnell Veterinary Services Louise Barnes Performance Landscape Services Dennis Bunting The Blowfish Corporation Alan L. Fung The Phoenix American Incorporated Loren L. Carlington Wildlife Enterprise Sandra L. Sokolik Wells Fargo Bank Rekha Kambrath Phoenix American Incorporated Victoria L. Garcia Thoma M. Oprendek Laurena K Y Wong In-Kind Contributors Muna Adranly Hobaika Acorn Electric Sudhir Kamble Boehringer-Ingelheim Erica M. James Chlorox Corporation A.M. Polanger C.P.A Simple Green Linda L. McGurk New bird vans: DAWN to the rescue Andover Eric Henerlau Barbara’s Bakery Denise Oliver Banks Eagle Optics Alan J. Clement Thanks to a generous grant from our friends at DAWN and Endangered Species Chocolate Bar Barbara Hardwicke Proctor & Gamble, IBRRC now has a rescue and transport Hartmann-Conco Inc. Sheran A Murray IVX Animal Health Andrew N. Gregson van at each of our centers in California. These “Wings on MEDport LLC Ajay Naik Microflex Carolee Ann Foreman Wheels” vans allow us to safely move birds during oil spills Pelican Products Nirav C. Vira and in our daily rehabilitation efforts. Sacramento Zoo Sharon & David Litwin SF Bay Brand Pia Leiser On the Wing – Fall 2008 International Bird Rescue Research Center Page 7

Connie Lee Harper Stefanie Marie Trutanic Ann Barnett Ruthie Marks Haley comes to the rescue Gerald Jostes Diana Leon Daphne F. Plane otivated by seeing an oiled bird Themis Americas Mfrom the Cosco Busan spill, Susan Rudnicki Dorothy Y. Laird animal lover Haley Gee, got a bucket William A Morton and started asking everyone she met Thank you! Brian Dunne Kathleen P. Koehler for donations. The 9-year-old from Lance Hedrick IBRRC couldn’t do it without your help Jane Lee Daffner Berkeley, CA decided to help our bird Kathryn A Roark Loren L. Carlington Jean Steffensen rescue efforts. She and her fellow Nancy J. Crockett Mary Beauchamp bird club members at the Berkeley Yuri Kantor Diane M. Turruff David Saber Anita Marlin Montessori School raised about $400. C. Skeren Mary S. Duffy Ruta Greenberg Michael R Dziedzic “I saw a picture in the newspaper a Kid support: Gee Yvonne C. Duclos Benton & Smith Jeremy Nemeth Diane Uthe few days after the spill. The picture Mary White Joan Bishop was of a bird that was covered in oil. I felt really sorry for Marla Rocha A.B. Bruck Heather Johnson Sandi Perlman the birds...” said Haley. Katherine M. Reaka Joshua Kaplan Debra Hodson Frances M. Mazzeo Thanks to Haley and her classmates, the Haley Gee Bird Lawrence Thompson Pamela E Williams Catherine Art Veronica Bowers Rescue Fund has picked up another $1,500 in public funds. laura Chariton Marion Krause Robert Ehelebe Della Dash Read more online: http://tinyurl.com/2g5ajh Megan Pierson Richard Eyheralde Eleanor Schapa Tracy Benton Diane Mulholland Linda largent Gretchen L. Thompson Eric Skolnick Blowfish Corp Amber sumrall Robert Baillie Oriana Lewallen Barbara Orr John Perry Bruce A Choate Jane M. Korbett Tobi I Neer Angela Visser-Keough Bryan E Stanek Birder’s Lounge Warren P Newmark Jan Regier Mireille Boyd David G Youmans Rainwater M. Siegel Patricia Mc Gann Lisa L. Parlier Elizabeth J. Rider Martha Birdsong Nauslar Catherine Obrien Janet R. Workman Marianne Daft Veritas Any Day Now Steven Wheeler Odyssey Power Margaret Eckert Wills Harriet Moss Algis P. Basiulis Marguerita A. Scannell Joyce T. Todd Diane Bahr Robin P. Mcdonald Barbara Orr Kimberly Mosler Debra Green Linda Roth Dave Weeshoff Lorraine Saia Kathy Rakestraw Walter H Hensolt Danny Valtierra Martha Ryder Hulse Thomas White Brian C Trekell Cynthia C Warren Gordon Louttit Brandy Gaunt Deahn Kincaid Monica Duclaud Michael A Yagjian Megan Prelinger Louise Chiatovich Loren L. Carlington Sharon Kantanen Brenda Mcbride Britt Leach Charlotte F. Logemann Mary Ann Harr Norman Warkentin Cherlyn Ingram Karen M. Sloan Harold Eidsath Marsha V. Lowry David Wimpfheimer Leanda Shrimpton Nora Coyne Lisa Wong Margaret Panton Theresa JO Marion John Miller Lawrence Thompson Carol Faith Hughes Harriet Guberman Lloyd And Christine Wright Valerie Mark Linda M Bayless Kristen Hopper Lynn Mitchell Mallory Service Buildings, INC. Loren L. Carlington Jennifer Chau Joan M Turner Kenneth A. Grieger Jan H Kosco Julia Hobbs Erica Katz Lori Hines Joan Hyra Susan Luong Kat Schroeder Sue S Stenstrom Judith Ann Kordich Teresa Goad Starlyn C. Howard Renee Poirier Pound Brad M. Colby Randal Potts Stephen M Dyke Suzanne Thompson Henriette Krug Kathy Rakestraw Jean Palmeter Betty J. Garrison Mr. & Mrs. Williams Richard Herr Tina Kroot Carol M. Sweetapple Suzanne Thompson Susan Harvey Diana Goldstein Norval Fairman J R Starnes Carl L. Muncy Kathleen P. Koehler Patricia E Nicodemus Giving spotlight: Acts of generosity Cindy Skinner Mary Ellen White Karen Benzel Louise Barnes • San Pedro volunteer Andrew Harmon celebrated his Karen Traina Melvyn Hurok Sarah Utsler Steven Rudnitzki special day by holding a birthday fundraising party. He Jean Steffensen John L Richmond requested donations be made to IBRRC instead of gifts. Helen M Kelso Loren L. Carlington John Zadikian Rebecca Stafford IBRRC received over $1,500 in donations from his guests. Ginny Devasto Lenetta Richardson Pauline White Maria L. Gutierrez • Duane Titus, an IBRRC Oil Spill Response Team mem- Carol Lopilato Joanne M De Lucia Barbara Landkammer Jane Dang ber, donated his electrical expertise to help us re-wire a Chet Mehta Laura Klein Anita Marlin Jonathan Tan new phone/communications system at the San Pedro Bird Janet C. Barry Joyce A Reeder Center. It saved IBRRC thousands of dollars and improved Donna R Callison Molly J. Rannells Ringler Ekaterina Bassett our ability to effectively help birds. Carl E Jensen Linda M Morgan Kimberly Fernandez Christine Cohen • Aaron Crasnick’s right of passage in the Jewish tradition Ernie Vizuet Ellen E. Wulf Peter Castro E.W. Jewell became an extraordinary gift to six wildlife organizations. Kieran Clifford J.B. White Robert B. Simeone Susan Peters Instead of Bar Mitzvah presents, the 13-year-old asked for Joan Bloom TerraSano cash contributions that he would then donate to his select Kara Heinrich Meggie Rufo Renee Snyder Carolyn Gill group of wildlife organizations. IBRRC benefited from Shirley Despal Birgit Kalvelage Karen Glenn Terry T. Schaeffer Aaron’s generosity by receiving a $500 gift basket filled William Parnel David R McClintock with useful items for the bird hospital. Thanks to all! Liz Craig Anthony C. Gilbert Maril Myers Ellen Coster Lorraine Pickus Page 8 International Bird Rescue Research Center On the Wing – Fall 2008 Rehabilitation Manager, who said, “The release could not have Birds leave their mark gone better. The bird jumped from the carrier, spreading his seven-foot wingspan and catching the wind, took off. He soared Unusual species and banded bird reports above us a long time, living up to his name Magnificent Frigate- bird, and it was an amazing sight to behold.” Frigatebird Why was the release so secretive? This was somewhat inten- s January arrived, heavy rains tional for the sole reason that with true pelagic birds such as and powerful winds battered A Frigatebirds, Albatrosses and Boobies we are always cautious the coast of Northern California. about how they will react when released. We have had birds IBRRC received its usual winter crash, get confused, sit on small rocks to incubate them and so patients; weak and grounded grebes on and we have had to bring birds back to the center until they and loons, many species of water- could get their bearings. The last thing we wanted was a lot of fowl and always some surprises. media filming this. On January 5th, 2008 Sonoma County residents, Dana and John We really did not feel we could schedule a press event with Naber, found a strange bird perched the logistical challenges we had in getting the bird to Southern in a tree near the ocean that seemed distressed and out of place. California, out on a boat – 26 miles off the coast – and to a spot After consulting their bird ID books, they came to the conclusion where the winds would help it take off, in between storms and it was a Frigatebird, usually only found in warm, tropical areas. so on. We also felt that it was important to give the bird the best Recognizing that the bird was in trouble, they called their local opportunity to get back into its intended environment (the open wildlife rescue center where they initially encountered disbelief. ocean but from land in case there was a problem) without the immediate challenge of fighting a storm or strong winds. After two days, with help from several agencies and a window washer with a 40 foot ladder, the bird was captured and taken Banded Birds Report to the Bird Rescue Center in Santa Rosa where it was hydrated BRRC federally bands all the birds that we release. Band before being rushed to IBRRC for specialized care. Upon intake returns or sightings are one of the ways that we have of assess- at IBRRC the bird was determined to be in critical condition ingI our work. Not all band recoveries come to us from sightings with a temperature and body weight far below normal. Many of live birds but none-the-less each report gives us valuable in- times birds so close to starvation don’t make it. “We honestly did formation. Bands are sometimes found on dead birds or reported not expect this bird to survive” said IBRRC Director, Jay Hol- by hunters, our most common source of band returns. comb. “We always ask the questions, why and how did this bird become so sick and emaciated and will those reasons determine Typically only one percent of those bands are ever reported back. its outcome? We had no way of knowing what we were deal- Through these reports we are able to evaluate treatment regimes ing with so we provided the best supportive and know if a bird survived. care that we could. It was only because of The following are discoveries of a few birds who were sighted or the expert care that our rehabilitation staff found far from the release site and long after they were released provided to the bird that brought it through indicating that they experienced other problems that led to their those touchy days and eventually to release.” demise. Read about Munch: http://tinyurl.com/4dxozq The bird caused a sensation among Northern Great Blue Heron California birders and while it was being rehabilitated some of California’s most famous n July 23, 1996 a Great Blue Heron, tangled in fishing bird identification experts came and eventu- Oline with fishing hooks ally identified the bird as a young Magnifi- embedded in its wing was cent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) that is captured and brought to the considered rare in Northern California. Alexander Lindsay Museum in Walnut Creek, CA. The Once the bird was approved for release our responsibility was to young hatchling year bird give it the best opportunity to get back into its intended envi- was stabilized and treated for ronment without the immediate challenge of fighting a storm puncture wounds from hooks or strong winds. The warmer climate of Southern California and abrasions from entangle- and less risk of bad weather played heavily in our decision to ment in fishing line. release the bird in that area. We know from records of sightings that frigatebirds are seen in the southern regions of the state The following day the bird more regularly than the north. Four years prior we had released was brought to the Interna- another frigatebird near Tijuana. It was determined that this bird tional Bird Rescue Research would be released from the cliffs on the windward side of Cat- Center’s old aquatic bird alina Island where it could catch the breezes and take off. rehabilitation facility in Berkeley, CA. The bird was put on a regimen of antibiotics and The bird was banded and successfully released on Catalina Island on Monday, February 4, by Marie Travers, Assistant E Continued on Page 9 On the Wing – Fall 2008 International Bird Rescue Research Center Page 9 Mystery no more: Moss Landing spill part of red tide phenomenon bout two weeks into the Cosco Busan oil spill we began receiving reports of many birds showing up on the beaches fromA Santa Cruz to Monterey and a large number of birds showing up at Moss Landing. Initial reports were that they were oiled and we feared that the oil from the Cosco Busan had drifted south to those areas. After the first group of 50 or so birds were captured it became evident that these birds were not oiled by anything that looked or smelled remotely like petroleum products. In fact, they seemed to be covered in a yellow sticky foam, much like the foam you see on the beach or in the sea at certain times. This foam, however, not only covered them with a thick yellow slime, it made them wet and therefore they had to get out of the water as they became cold and waterlogged. Within a week over 400 of these “slimed” birds were captured and that number rose to 650 in the following weeks. Many were The tide turns: The majority of birds treated included Clark’s and Western- initially brought to the Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Grebes. They recuperate in IBRRC pools at Cordelia center. Photo: IBRRC Research Center (MWVCRC) for stabilization and initial care but all ended up coming to our already full oiled bird center in after a hard rain, or a higher exposure to sunlight. Fairfield. From a rehabilitation perspective the birds in this spill were In order to manage these large numbers of birds we sent the first much easier to care for as the product washed off easily and the 100 or so to our San Pedro center to help reduce the patient load birds did not seem to have any internal impacts from ingesting at Fairfield. The most numerous species impacted were western the product. This resulted in a much higher release rate than typi- and Clarke’s grebes, surf scoters, northern fulmars, red throated cal oil spills where petroleum oils can cause other toxic effects. and pacific loons. It should be noted that this is the first time that IBRRC or the After a series of tests done through the OSPR laboratories it was OWCN has ever rehabilitated a large amount of birds that were discovered that the product that fouled the birds feathers is a slimed by an unknown substance (but had to go through the re- protein-like wetting agent and was part of the foam that formed habilitation procedure much like petroleum oiled birds.) We have in large amounts where heavy red tides were agitated by moder- never seen anything like this before and hope we do not again as ate to high surf. Red tide is a catchall phrase describing seawater its impacts are far reaching. with microscopic organisms that blooms causing it to change The costs of events like this are not covered by any state or colors. It is transient and unstable in water, breaking down in a federal laws such as Senate Bill 2040 that ensured that the “best day or two, although relatively stable when dried. achievable care” will be provided for oiled wildlife in California. No evidence was found to suggest that it was a petroleum prod- However, we want to thank and acknowledge OSPR for gener- uct, fish or vegetable oil, or related to the “Checkmate” product ously underwriting much of this response and assisting us in the used to spray for light brown apple moths. It’s cause is still management of this effort. Because of this, IBRRC was able to uncertain: It could be weather pattern changes, fertilizer runoff release 369 birds back to the wild.

Unusual birds tangled around its wing and leg. Brown Pelican band number 0938- 30252 was brought to our San Pedro E Continued from Page 8 The bird was then transferred to our facility in Fairfield, and as before was Center on February of 2005. It was treated for fishing tackle injuries and treated for its wounds. It’s recovered treated for its wounds, held a week and released in San Pedro on March 5, 2005. quickly and was released in the Suisin on June 5, 2008 it was released fully The bird was found dead at Port Canav- Marsh on July 29, 1996. The birds fed- recovered back into the Suisun Marsh. eral, Florida on April 5, 2007 indicating eral band number was 0977-04747. Band Recoveries and Sightings that Brown Pelicans in the Pacific region Twelve years later on May 28, 2008, the Brown Pelican band number 0998- do mix travel to the gulf region. There same Great Blue Heron, now an adult but 86040 was an oiled bird that we rehabili- was not indication of why the bird died. still wearing band number 0977-04747, tated in the Coatzacoalcoz, Mexico oil Brown Pelican band number 0938- was again found entangled in fishing line spill in January of 2005 in partnership 20896 was brought to our San Pedro cen- and fish hooks and was captured at a ma- with IFAW. It was released January 17, ter suffering from fishing tackle injuries. rina in Oakley, near Concord, CA. The 2005. The bird was found dead Ma- The bird was treated and released on Au- bird was again brought to the Lindsay tagorda Island, Texas on April 12, 2008. gust 4, 2006. The bird was sighted alive Museum who did an excellent job of re- Again, there was not indication of why and healthy in Elota Sinoloa Mexico on moving the fish hooks and line that were the bird died. on May 14, 2008. Page 10 International Bird Rescue Research Center On the Wing – Fall 2008 Dark day on San Francisco Bay: Cosco Busan oil spill response E Continued from Page 1 oiled wildlife response and rehabilitation. witnessing the casualties they leave in The Oiled Wildlife Care Network, their wake and, I am sad to say, we often OWCN, was derived from an earlier con- carry that weight within us. But, we do, cept that IBRRC came up with that would in our way, attempt to put oil spills in provide resources and various levels of perspective and look for what good they support to rehabilitation organizations offer us after they have left their mark on along the coast of California who were al- the natural environment. It’s a survival ways expected to take in oiled wildlife but technique developed over the years that did not have the resources to do even the ultimately serves to helps us improve our most basic job. Our idea was presented capabilities. It’s also inherent in an emer- to the California Department of Fish and gency wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill Game in the 80’s and shelved due to lack Room for birds: Extra pools were filled with of funding. The new state Senate Bill, response organization that has to cope cleaned birds after being washed of oil. with these types of crisis situations on a (SB 2040), allowed for funding of some fairly regular basis. Something good has programs to see if oiled birds could be kind of network between these animal to come out of them so we have a keen cleaned, would survive the process and if caretakers and stated that “oiled wildlife eye out for those little specks of goodness it was realistic to even attempt these types in California will receive best achievable that come in the form of opportunities. of endeavors. Our founder, Alice Berkner, care”. This idea of a network resurfaced The fresh and more current spill responses knew that the public and eventually the and eventually evolved to become the are used as a system of measurement to law-makers would expect that oiled wild- OWCN and IBRRC became one of its evaluate how far IBRRC, our state and life be given a chance. She was one step first members and a valuable resource for our field of work has come. In California, ahead of the crowd and was determined to this program. In so many ways it was a that is a significant distance from the good do this as scientifically and humanely as dream come true, especially for wildlife old days. possible and with volunteer management rehabilitators and veterinarians who have systems in place to achieve these goals. It seen many birds die that could have likely For our newer members and supporters has been an upward learning curve since been saved if we had only had specialized who maybe don’t know the history of then with incredible results, frustrations facilities, trained staff and volunteers and oiled wildlife response as a field of work and lots of experience under our collective other resources. and how, in many ways, it is firmly rooted belts. into the San Francisco Bay area, here is Since the development of the OWCN a brief overview. In 1971, the Oregon In 1989 the Exxon Valdez occurred in and this historic legislation, California Standard collided with another ship under Alaska, soon to be followed in 1990 by no longer has oil spills or oiled wildlife the Golden Gate Bridge. This resulted in the American Trader oil spill in Southern that are ignored, trivialized or imposed on a massive spill of crude oil that left over California where we cared for over 500 unsuspecting wildlife rehabilitation orga- 7,000 live oil covered birds in the hands of oiled birds, 150 of which were endangered nizations that are already overwhelmed well meaning but unqualified volunteers Brown Pelicans. The lawmakers went into with wild animal patients. That is the way that worked out of any building they could action quickly and as a result of these two it was in the past! Instead, an organized find that had a roof on it. All but a few of historical spills, California became the system of specially designed facilities, re- those birds died and IBRRC became part first state with comprehensive programs sponse capabilities and rehabilitation and of that spill’s “silver lining”. IBRRC, to deal with oil spill response planning, training programs for its members have in fact, set in motion the initial research cleanup and specific to IBRRC’s interests, been put into place to meet the legislative mandate of “best achievable care.” The Cosco Busan kicked the OWCN, IBRRC and its other members into action. For active oil spill responders like us it was business as usual, in a sense. We Oiled bird boxes: Working always attempt to maintain a calm but in the “Hot Zone” an oil spill response worker checks in urgent approach to these types of emer- birds caught in the aftermath gencies so that we stay in good mental and of the Cosco Busan spill. emotional health for the long haul. With The November 7, 2007 spill this spill occurring in our backyard, an in- brought more than 1,000 birds into the San Francisco creasingly concerned public growing vola- Bay Oiled Wildlife Care and tile began injecting themselves into all Education Center in Fairfield, aspects of the response. This was due to CA. More than 421 birds poor communication from the top level of were released back to the wild. Photo: Marie Travers/ the command structure. Limited informa- IBRRC E Continued on Page 11 On the Wing – Fall 2008 International Bird Rescue Research Center Page 11

Seeing the light: SF Bay spill themselves once they realized they were E Continued from Page 10 safe from the capturers. “...We have learned to look for the opportunities that tion was being disseminated on how the These and other frustrations that we face spill was being handled from beach clean when responding to oil spills include orga- spills provide...” up to animal capture and rehabilitation. nizing the way we move the birds through We have teams that are motivated and the process of rehabilitation in a timely For example, members of the public highly experienced that strive to capture and safe manner before they succumb to watching and evaluating our field re- every oiled animal they can and we have the oil, stress and all that those factors sponders and the program at every level, volunteers that show up out of nowhere to imply. It’s always a challenge but what felt compelled to point out the birds we help trained staff make it all work. missed as our teams covered miles of is important here is that in the past most shoreline on a daily basis. Additionally, of these birds never even made it to the The Cosco Busan spill has given us an overzealous news crews followed our field funky old makeshift centers where they opportunity to evaluate our work, improve crews, scaring birds away in an attempt to had little or no chance of survival. Now and correct where we were lacking and film our work and were pressing our staff they have a much better chance thanks to identify where we need to improve. We to make statements about the communica- our state’s system of dealing with oil spills saw the successes. Looking back over the tion and other problems that were occur- and capturing and rehabilitating the birds last 37 years we see that without these ring during the spill. The media has been a in the best way we know how. state mandated programs and the individu- great friend to IBRRC but in a crisis intent als involved in them at all levels, these Oil spills throw us curve balls by the min- cameramen and reporters can get in our birds would not have a chance in the ute. It is inevitable that there will always way and in the Cosco Busan spill, some world. The rehabilitation groups that once be a bird that beaches itself in front of a of them did. These became a few of the had the birds imposed on them would concerned and highly alert individual the added stresses and factors that took up our again be dumped on and experience the moment our teams leave the beach which valuable response time and impacted our same sense of failure and hopelessness can imply that no one cares or the job ability to do our job. that we did in the past. We have come was not completed. There will always be light years from the 1971 oil spill in our Oiled birds don’t ask to be captured. In commuter traffic that prevents birds from ability to help oiled birds in California and fact, we are usually seen as predators to being transported as quickly as we all in our ability to change and increase pro- them. An oiled bird is a bird in distress want them to be. There will be politics, grams to provide “best achievable care”. and instinctively avoids beaches, people gaps in communication, critics, bad phone Next time we will be even better. and anything that is unusual to it. It is in a connections, supporters, failures, fabu- Cosco Busan Oil Spill numbers heightened state of fear and survival and lous volunteers and successes. Bringing therein is our biggest challenge. How do it back into perspective, in California we • Birds arrived live: 1,084 we get them in time to help them? Not an have a head start. We have state-of-the-art • Died/euthanized: 653 easy job and inevitably our response staff facilities to take the birds where they will would leave a beach well searched only to receive the best and always improving • Released: 421 have one or more birds immediately beach care available in the world for oiled birds. • Found dead: 1,858

Spill volunteers big help viduals were pre-trained OWCN par- E Continued from Page 1 ticipants, while 500 were convergent vacation days, and their time with (walk-in) volunteers. What makes family to come help the oiled birds. these figures impressive is that These people were no longer individ- personnel from 23 out of 25 OWCN uals, organizations or businesses, but participant organizations responded a community that came together and to this spill, and 450 network volun- responded to a crisis when the plea teers came when the call went out for help went out. for assistance. What amazed us all was the number of businesses that Wash room help: Volunteers worked with cleaning oiled gathered supplies and sent employ- Looking at past spill statistics since birds, such as this pelican. Photo: Marie Travers/IBRRC the 1970’s, the average volunteer turn ees to help out, the school children out was approximately 300 to 500 in- writing letters of encouragement and dividuals that roughly gave about 7,500 to 9,600 service hours fundraising to help save the birds, and neighbors delivering per spill. On the other hand, the volunteer response from the towels and other needed supplies. We even had other non-prof- Cosco Busan oil spill stands apart because 1,500 individuals its divert their volunteers to help us out. registered to help out during this event and contributed about In the wake of this spill, response agencies realized that Cali- 13,019 service hours. This was a phenomenal response from fornians are willing to rise to the occasion and respond when a everyone. crisis occurs. For us, it was a welcome validation that the work If we look at who responded during the spill, 450 of these indi- we do is important. Thank you for your support! Page 12 International Bird Rescue Research Center On the Wing – Fall 2008

New IBRRC hats: Show your support A big thanks to Karen Webster of Show you care for the birds and IBRRC’s Process Engineer- rescue efforts by buying a hat now on our ing for coordinat- website: http://tinyurl.com/68nqrr ing and relaying The light green khaki hats with greyish/light all of our requests blue bills are $15. The adjustable band hats to the Valero team are one size fits all. You can also purchase members. Kudos go the new hats at both bird centers. to Debra Stebbins and Matt Oldehoeft Heron Dance brings art & birds together for scheduling teams to come out and spend a day with us. Thanks also to Clean We’d like to make you aware of Harbors Environmental Services for removing debris generated the work of Heron Dance, a non- by the deconstruction. profit publisher that explores the beauty and mystery of the natural “Dewie Duck” captures life with a duck world through art and words. “Little Miss Dewie,” a movie from Heron Dance publishes a free award-winning animal welfare journalist, e-newsletter that features a new Mira Tweti, is seeking funds to complete painting each week and a short her “Duckumentary” about the duck letter on the human connection to the natural world and on the that moved in with her. Tweti found the gentle arts of a well-lived life. They also publish a nature art orphaned duckling at a lagoon in Los An- journal, and supports the work of over 100 non-profits with the geles, CA, and took her home. Through donation of art. Learn more: http://www.herondance.org/ a series of unexpected situations, Dewie lived in Tweti’s apartment for more than two months while she Week of caring: Volunteers to the rescue searched for a perfect duck home. More information available The Volunteer Centers of the Bay Area and the United Way of online: http://www.dewieduck.com/ the Bay Area created a Week of Caring to connect volunteers from local businesses to hundreds of projects organized by In fond remembrance: Eric Sticht local non-profits. We would like to thank the Solano Founda- Eric Sticht, the former part-time facili- tion, the Unied Way, and the Volunteer Centers of the Bay Area ties manager at IBRRC’s San Pedro bird for their active recruitment for this opportunity, and connecting center, died on October 19, 2007 of our organization with the Valero refinery in Benicia. natural causes. He was 47. Our heart felt gratitude goes out to the 25 plus volunteers from Eric had a great love of nature and ani- Valero’s team 3 and Process Engineering who came out to de- mals, and worked many tireless hours at construct an old aviary, paint and repair our wheelchair access IBRRC as both a volunteer and employ- ramp, and help clear brush from our property. Their teamwork ee. He will be sorely missed by all that and enthusiasm put us ahead of schedule for raising a new crossed his path. waterfowl enclosure in Fairfield.

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