Dozens of Critical Bird Sites in the Path of Massive Gulf Oil Slick

The American Bird Conservancy says the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill will affect bird populations from Canada to South America, with important nesting and migratory stopover sites along the Gulf Coast directly in the path of the spill. The Gulf Coast is a critical region for hundreds of species of migratory and resident birds that variously breed, winter, or rest along the shore. The spill is occurring at a time when many species, such as brown pelicans, are nesting. Among the sites most immediately at risk are the Delta National Wildlife Refuge in the Mississippi River Delta and the Breton National Wildlife Refuge, home to the largest tern colony in North America. Given the ecological complexity of the Gulf region — including its bays, estuaries, inlets, and marsh — the cleanup of the spill could be extremely difficult. The organization released a map illustrating the threatened bird areas, the extent of the spill as of May 2, and areas where booms have been deployed. “At a time when we should be celebrating the beauty and wonder of migratory birds, we could be mourning the worst environmental disaster in recent U.S. history,” said George Fenwick, president of the American Bird Conservancy.