Oiled birds are beginning to show up on East Bay beaches, and Marin's Wildcare has been designated as the primary stabilization facility for treatment of the affected birds.
On Friday the Panamanian bunker vessel Dubai Star, spilled fuel oil into the bay as the fuel was being transferred into the boat. There is no word on the amount spilled, but the oil sheen was described as being "at least three miles long on Friday evening-- and spreading" according to the SF Chronicle.
The birds will be taken initially to Wildcare in San Rafael for triage, and then transferred to the International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) where they will be washed and treated further. Both Wildcare and IBRRC are part of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN), a consortium of organizations that spring into action when a spill occurs.
The consortium began as a result of the tragic Exxon Valdez disaster, and was used extensively during the Cosco Busan oil spill (bird from that spill at left) that occurred almost exactly two years ago.
Wildcare has been at the forefront of bird and animal rescue in Marin County, and with this spill, they've had the opportunity to use their state-of-the-art rescue vehicle which debuted earlier this year. Birds, and other wildlife, can be triaged on-site if needed.
At this point, the rescue centers are not not yet calling for volunteers.
They ask that if you find an oiled bird, you DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PICK UP THE BIRD. Bunker fuel is toxic, not only to birds, but also to humans. Instead, they ask that you report the oiled bird to OWCN at 877-823-6926.
Photo credits--photo of Dubai Star courtesy of OWCN website, photo of oiled bird courtesy of Wildcare and Alison Hermance, all others MoreMarin.
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