I would like to go down (Gulf oil spill) there and help

[Duer 157099]

I have no idea how to go about it though, nor is it practical for me, but I strongly desire to be down there helping.

[Mother Smuckers]

1. Wait until they ask...and if you do go be sure to bring most everything you need

for your own personal needs. As of now, there probably isn't anything useful you could do, really.
At some point they may need bird washers...but it's a job that pays nothing but 'feel good'.

[Duer 157099]

4. That's what I'd want to do, wash the birds

God this is so heart breaking. I watched the Alaska disaster and wanted to do something then but wasn't able.

[underseasurveyor]

8. First thing you need to do is find a marine bird rehab center in your area

and ask if they need any volunteers. If they do it's invaluable that you learn and know how to handle wild birds. Their beaks are sharp and their aim is very good. A pelican for instance is very large heavy bird and they have a long reach with their necks and huge sharp bills. They can remove fingers no problem not to mention eyes. Add to this they'll be slippery, fightened and in shock, a dangerous combination when working with wildlife.

I use to help with the sea lions, seals and elephant seals at the marine mammal center and next door to them is the marine bird rehab center where my sister use to help with marine birds. What needs to be done may seem fairly straight forward and common sense but there is much more to know and a lot more involved than simply just washing oil off of a bird.

To anyone considering this I hope this helps. And if anyone is not able to go down and help in person these wildlife rehab places are always short on simple everyday supplies and they are going to need money... But mostly LOTS and LOTS of supplies. And food and water for the workers. We ALWAYS appreciated it so much when anyone brought us food and drink because sometimes there was no time to go get something to eat.

This is heartbreaking. My SO and I are just sick about this:-(

[Mother Smuckers]

9. It really is sad. I didn't mean to say wait until you are -personally- invited,

just that hopping in the car and driving to Slidell willy nilly isn't a good plan of attack. :-)

I see someone else downthread has put up some good links, there will be plenty for people to do in the coming weeks and sadly probably months...the main thing is be ready to help but not be a burden. I'm sure you know that, I intended no offense. You're great to want to help.

[grantcart]

2. Probably have more impact helping some of the many efforts to use volunteers

to rebuild housing in NO.

[bluestateguy]

3. All the Hollywood celebrities took the really good assignments

That actually happened on an episode of the Simpsons.

[4 t 4]

5. Here ya go

How can you help? A number of organizations are recruiting volunteers.

The Audubon Society, which is affiliated with the Louisiana Coastal Initiative, is making its Center for Birds of Prey in Florida available for bird cleansing and rehabilitation. Elsewhere, Audubon said it was gearing up to mobilize volunteers and provide assistance as the oil reaches land in Louisiana and elsewhere

[Dappleganger]

6. Here's a link

http://www.audubonaction.org/site/PageServer?pagename=aa_HowtoHelp

I'm thinking of doing something too.

[csziggy]

7. CNN has an article with links on where volunteers are needed

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/04/30/impact.oil.spill/index.html

Links in the article:


The Audubon Society (http://www.audubon.org/), which is affiliated with the Louisiana Coastal Initiative, is making its Center for Birds of Prey in Florida available for bird cleansing and rehabilitation. Elsewhere, Audubon said it was gearing up to mobilize volunteers and provide assistance as the oil reaches land in Louisiana and elsewhere.

The Deep Water Horizon response team is looking for help in identifying shoreline and animals affected. Oiled wildlife should not be captured but instead reported at 1-866-557-1401. To report areas with oil ashore or to leave contact information to volunteer in the affected areas, call 1-866-448-5816.

These local organizations also are gathering volunteers' information as they prepare for the environmental damage this oil can cause:
Interactive: Responding to an oil spill

The Alabama Coastal Foundation (http://www.joinacf.org/) is collecting contact information from volunteers for cleanup efforts along the Alabama coast should the oil spill reach the state's shores. Call 251-990-6002

The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (http://www.mobilebaynep.com/) is looking for volunteers to help reduce the potential impact of the oil spill in Mobile Bay. Call 251-431-6409.

The Mobile Baykeeper (http://www.mobilebaykeeper.org/) is asking for contact details of volunteers is collecting contact information for volunteers to respond anywhere along the Gulf Coast, if needed. Call 251-433-4229.

Save Our Seabirds (http://saveourseabirds.com/) is a Florida bird rescue group that is looking for volunteers and support as its response team prepares to help oiled wildlife. Call 941-388-3010.


DISCLAIMER - I have not checked these links and know nothing about the groups. This is extracted from the CNN article.