Oiled Oddity

04/30/2010

I try to keep this blog fun and light, but today I want to share a not-so-fun odd animal photo.  Do you know what it is?

This is what a bird looks like when it's coated in crude oil.  This is what we are about to see happen to millions of animals along the Gulf Coast due to the massive oil spill that's about to reach shore.

Pelicans and other seabirds are nesting right now, and their babies will have no escape from the oil when it reaches the shore. Sea turtles are trying to nest. Millions of migratory birds are stopping in Coastal Louisiana to refuel after the exhausting flight across the Gulf of Mexico. River otters, threatened black bears, dolphins, manatees, alligators and even whales are going to be impacted.

Not to mention the hugely productive fishery (oysters, crab, shrimp, tuna) that is about to be destroyed and the massive economic impacts that will result.

And it's all on top of losing a football field every 38 minutes to development and the ravages of Hurricane Katrinia that are still being felt.

As frustrating as it is to read this, National Wildlife Federation and many other conservation organizations are doing what we can to both help the wildlife in the current situation, and stop this from happening in the future.  Go to NWF's website to find out how you can help.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/19378856@N04/ / CC BY 2.0

Comments

[seo link robot]

This is horrible. Really brings home the disaster. I appreciate your sharing this photo.

[Cannabis Seeds]

So sad that this happens to innocent creatures. At least there are good people out there to help as much as they can and nurse these poor animals back to health, and raise awareness as well.

[cash advance]

Hi, I enjoyed reading your articles. This is horrible! Really brings home the disaster.