The Burnaby-based Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. treated some of the first birds affected by last week's oil spill, but at least one has died.
The association, which is based at Burnaby Lake, received three buffleheads covered in oil last week. One is now dead, but the two survivors were sent to Focus Wildlife, the main group now handling oil-covered animals.
Yolanda Brooks, spokesperson for Wildlife Rescue Association, said the three buffleheads were washed on Sunday, and the two live birds are doing well.
"When they get oil on their feathers, they are desperately preening to try and get the oil off," Brooks explained. "They stop eating and drinking, they don't focus on predators. They just focus on preening, and preening."
Besides preening and ingesting the toxic fuel, the oily feathers can affect the birds' body temperatures and buoyancy, she added.
According to a City of Vancouver presentation about the spill, an estimated 20 to 30 birds have been affected by the oil. (Update: By Wednesday, there were 14 birds in care, being monitored by wildlife specialists.)
"For the birds, it's just a pretty uncomfortable and miserable experience because the oil irritates their skin and threatens their lives. The quicker people can get them out of the water, the better," Brooks said. "We're just glad we're here and able to help."
That said, Brooks said untrained people should not try to handle or approach oiled birds. Waterfowl will typically find a dry spot to preen, and approaching them could drive them back into the water when they are likely cold and struggling to stay afloat.
To report oil-covered wildlife, call 604-873-7000, and experienced handlers will deal with the birds.
