East Bay Area Real Estate

Berkeley’s city website reports one duck and a grebe, soiled from the oil spill are being cared for at the Berkeley Animal Shelter while waiting for the International Bird Rescue Research Center to pick them up.

An oil sheen was visible in the harbor and oil globules were seen on the south side of the pier. Because of the scarcity of the contaminants and the fact that the tide has begun to go out, there are no closures currently in place for the Marina.

Residents who see injured or oil-soiled birds should call the IBRRC hotline at 877-823-6926. “Do not try to clean the bird yourself” People interested in volunteering should not call this number. Would-be volunteers should check for opportunities at www.owcn.org.

The IBRRC advises people to protect yourself if attempting capture. Cover the animals eyes with a blanket or towel before picking them up and make sure they are in a secure container with ventilation when transporting.

Follow these five rules:

• keep the animal warm, 80-90 degrees
• Don’t feed or give liquids
• Keep in secure, dark container or kennel
• Stay quiet around it - don’t constantly look at the bird
• Get it to a rehabilitation hospital as quickly as possible
• Never keep the animal or try to treat it yourself

Links:
International Bird Rescue Research Center Website
Spill closes bay beaches as oil spreads, kills wildlife- SFGate.com