Pigeon Saved From Oil

The following story about a pigeon guillemot was shared with us by International Bird Rescue in California.

International Bird Rescue’s Fairfield, California, center received an oiled pigeon guillemot from our friends at Native Animal Rescue on Aug. 5, 2021. The bird was originally found on Platform Beach in Aptos, California, with small patches of petroleum on both wings, chest, along the right side, and under its chin. As with many birds affected by oiling, the guillemot was also suffering from emaciation and dehydration.

After arrival, the bird was stabilized with lots of oral fluids, and Emeraid IC Piscivore was used to ensure it would be as strong and stable as possible for the stressful wash process that removes the oil. The wash went well, and the guillemot was completely waterproof and ready to spend its first night outdoors in one of our pelagic pools the day after we washed it!

Once the bird was waterproof, it gained weight steadily day by day. It also received treatment for Babesia uriae, a common tick-borne blood parasite that we frequently see in alcids like guillemots and common murres.

After the bird’s problems were all resolved, we released it back on the coast on September 14, 2021, for another chance at life in the Pacific Ocean.