Editor:
I am writing to express my extreme disappointment in your article, “Bird by Bird” (Aug. 9), concerning the fish-oiled brown pelicans. As a member of the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center Board and a volunteer with wildlife rehab on and off over the past 30 years, I have seen and heard it all. I was dismayed the Journal would take such a negative,”why bother?” stance. In my opinion, the article was a slap in the face to the dedicated volunteers with Bird Ally X, California Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators, Oiled Wildlife Care Network and the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center. Some of these folks work 10-plus hours a day for no pay, simply because they give a damn about wildlife. These amazing people have taken on the responsibility of helping all wildlife, especially in situations caused by humans … which is the case here. This is not part of the natural cycle — this fish waste problem is caused by people and needs to be solved by people.
There is opportunity here to turn this problem into a resource, and I’m baffled why some ideas or solutions to the fish waste issue weren’t addressed. In the second-to-last paragraph, Deborah Jaques states that the most pressing issue is to eliminate practices that needlessly harm birds, like improper fish waste disposal.
All of our work to help these pelicans is through private donations by individuals and businesses — we receive no state or federal funding. Obviously the people of our community feel as we do, that helping these pelicans is the right thing to do, since their generous donations have continued to sustain us. We live in an incredibly beautiful area, and the wild places and wildlife are an intrinsic part of that world.
Please, if you can’t help us, don’t harm us.
Linda Parkinson, McKinleyville
This article appears in RIVER ROBBERY.
Thank You Linda for posting that! I could not agree more with everything you said. I have been assisting with planning a fundraiser “Party for the Pelicans” coming up on Saturday August 25th at Blue Ox Millworks and Historic Park! The out poor of support from musicians, artists, businesses, and individuals had been phenomenal and in some ways has helped to remind me of why I love Humboldt! I was shocked at the article and the opinions of the writer. I hope that the Journal will have a change of heart and join our community in support of the efforts of the folks at Humboldt Wildlife Care Center and Bird Ally X. They do so much good for the animals in our community – and ask so little in return.
Blessings to all involved with the center, the volunteers and staff, and for all of the community members who have found someway of showing their support.
We hope folks will join us for the fundraiser on August 25th from 10 am to 8pm. Blue Ox Millworks & Historic Park owners – Viviana & Erik Hollenbeck – very generously donated their space for the event. Blue Ox is located at 1st and X street just off the bay in Eureka. Live Music, Childrens Activities, Puppet Shows, Comedians, Bless My Soul cafe, Beer from 6 Rivers and Lost Coast Brewery, deserts and other goodies plus lots of Silent Auction Items donated by a ton of local artists and businesses! Come show your support – This is a fantastic event for a nominal suggested donation of $5 per adult and $1 per child ages 6-12. for more information visit the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/443612525660823/. Or visit http://www.birdallyx.net for more information about the Pelicans and the efforts that are being made to protect and rehabilitate them.
Blessings and Community!
Tee OfArcata