For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost
November 12, 2007(323) 951-9620

Richardson Bay, Tiburon, CA – As increasing numbers of dead or suffering birds are turning up at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Tiburon,  representatives of Audubon California today noted that the recent oil spill in San Francisco Bay is particularly tragic because it is fouling one of the world’s most valuable ecosystems.

“This is really the worst time and the worst place for this spill to happen,” said Graham Chisholm, director of conservation for Audubon California. “We could see ramifications from this spill on migratory birds throughout the whole hemisphere.”

The San Francisco Bay has designated an Important Bird Area of Global Significance by Audubon California. It was given this high designation because it hosts well over 1 million birds annually, many of which are threatened or endangered species. San Francisco Bay is host to the largest shorebird concentration in the West.

Staff and volunteers Monday continued to respond to the growing threat of oil. As expected, workers found more birds and wildlife tainted by oil. While some dead birds were brought to the center, eight live birds were quickly transported to recovery centers.

On Saturday, oil was spotted on the water within the sanctuary. Thanks to favorable winds and tides, most of that oil had dissipated or sunk beneath the surface on Monday. With the oil less of a concern, workers turned their attention to the oiled birds, which were more evident than ever before.

Brooke Langston, director of the Center, noted that the spill will have long-term impacts on both Richardson Bay and the bay as a whole. She said that while the recent upsurge in volunteers has been wonderful, the response to the oil spill will continue for weeks and months.

“We’ll need volunteers for weeks for all sorts of restoration,” Langston said. “This disaster is an opportunity to remember how fragile this bay is, and how important it is to so many people.”

Those who come across oiled birds should not touch them. Instead, they should call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at (415)701-2311, and leave a short message with the bird’s exact location.

About Audubon California

Audubon California is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of Audubon. This relationship links Audubon California to a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.