I recently (8/25/2010) talked with the Gulf Restoration Network's Campaign Director, Aaron Viles, about what is happening in the Gulf, and how wildlife is doing there.  What he tells me is not a good picture, and far from what the government and the media would have you believe.  It's far from over, with birds and wildlife found dead and dying every day.  His comments are below, and you can learn more by going to the Endangered Species Coalition's Gulf oil spill site here.

      

      

      

      

This is the last in my series of highlight podcasts, featuring excerpts from a number of older WH programs with comments from Joe Duff, Beverly Paulan, members of the class of 2005 (listen and see!) and Kent Clegg.  This brings to a close over 4 years of podcasts about the Whooping cranes.  However, before you think I have completely moved on, check out the podcasts I am doing for the Endangered Species Coalition or just click the round blue logo and link on the left.

      

      

Previously featured in Whooper Happenings #16, this program has excerpts and comments from a few of those at the second flyover at the Dunnellon Airport.  Brooke Pennypacker takes the role of team leader and MC in the absence of Joe Duff at the event.

      

This highlight episode features a chat with Operation Migration co-founder, inventor and aviator Bill Lishman.  Bill discusses his first encounter flying with wild birds, the movie based on his work, 'Fly Away Home',  his role in the classic film 'Winged Migration' and more.

      

Unless you live in Central Florida, and even if you do, you may not recall the thousands of birds that died after stopping on their southerly or northern migrations in late 1998 and the spring of 1999 over Central Florida.  Lake Apopka is the 4th largest lake in the Sunshine State, but it is primarily an agricultural lake, with much farming that took place since the late 1800s on its northern boundary. Flooding and draining the farmland with its rich use of pesticides and fertilizer led to serious problems in the lake, and by the 1950s it was no longer a fishing spot for anyone.  It once had been a prized place to catch large bass that would do any avid angler proud.

      

While BP has pledged to pay for all clean-up in the Gulf, if you think about this it is likely much work has already been done and will be accomplished saving wildlife that will never be compensated in terms of the huge corporate's money!  Not everyone who rescues oiled wildlife is out there because it's their job and they are being paid; many are there just trying to save birds, turtles and whatever they can and the money factor doesn't enter their equation when the idea is to do what they can as soon as they can. Immediacy is the key, finding these oiled birds and turtles and cleaning them and nourishing them just as soon as possible.  Sadly, way too many have already been found and it was too late for anything to be done for them.  But in spite of what some naysayers have written, work continues and wildlife needs our help.  The organizations doing this tirelessly and without BP's cash... perhaps they never will even submit a bill... are there to help.  But get this... the US Fish and Wildlife people have a ruling that even licensed rehabbers who have years of experience rescuing oiled birds, and are well trained to do this are NOT being allowed!  If this isn't absolutely ridiculous and extreme politics, tell me what is!