Its wings are raised, as if before flight, but from the way the bird’s straining, it’s clear—even in the photograph—that the oil is weighing them down. The pelican’s mouth is open, and there’s a little glob of syrupy liquid dangling from the bottom of its beak. The bird is half-submerged in what looks like spoiled pudding.
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But the environmental impact of the oil spill, the largest in the industry’s history, may stretch well beyond the gulf. This fall millions of birds are leaving Illinois and heading for their wintering grounds there. For some, the gulf is an oasis on their annual migration to South or Central America. For others, it’s where they’ll wait out another bitter Chicago winter. What will happen to them when they get there is still a matter of speculation. But the possibility that these birds could be flying into harm’s way is distinct.
This endangers birds in various ways. They may get soaked in oil as they glide above the water or dive down in it to get food. Their feathers may become less water repellent. The food they eat may be contaminated. They may ingest or inhale oil as they groom themselves.The effects may not manifest immediately; they may present as long-term lung, liver, or kidney damage.
She also doesn’t think feeding them more will make much difference. “A bird can only fly so far,” she says. “Birds follow routines, they don’t choose.”
“I think you’ve got to do whatever you can,” Prince says. “The unfortunate and scary part to think about is that [the birds] may not have an option; even if provided, they may not take it.”
