Nov 09 2007
Bay Area Oil Spill Affects Albany Bulb
Yesterday I was told by someone who I’m assuming was with Animal Rescue (official looking with a large net) walking up the trails. We crossed paths and he told me he was there because there was calls of birds washing up from the bay oil spill.” A word of warning, I wouldn’t let my dogs swim in that water”. A little late for us - Toby and Cody had already taken their morning swim but I thought I’d do my good deed for the day and tell the few people with their dogs that were still on the beach. I wasn’t surprised when they sort of shrugged off my words of caution. They didn’t see any oil. Everything looked fine. Today was another story!
There was an uneasiness at the Bulb today. People in groups warned others to keep their dogs out of the water. Conversations swirled around the oil spill. Coast Guard and news helicopters circled the area. My friend and I continued our walk, but idle chit-chat seemed out of place.
It wasn’t until we were on the lower trail, along the water’s edge, that we noticed globs of oil floating near the shoreline.
At the end of the trail, signs were posted - the beach was now closed.
People left quietly some looking worried some just looking very sad.
It got very quiet at the Bulb.
You can view more photos of Albany Bulb & Oil Spill
Residents who see injured or oil-soiled birds should call the IBRRC hotline at 877-823-6926. “Do not try to clean the bird yourself” People interested in volunteering should not call this number. Would-be volunteers should check for opportunities at www.owcn.org.