Hello Everyone, Normally this time of year I would be writing some post so filled with bird migration enthusiasm that some people would really get annoyed. However, in spite of a couple great weekends filled with birds and birders, this year the mood at Black Swamp Bird Observatory is a bit more somber as we continue to hear more details about the growing disaster in the Gulf. To say that this is the Observatory's busiest time of year is an understatement. Our songbird and rail research projects are in full swing. In addition to that, we do our best to try and ensure that the tens of thousands of birders visiting the Lake Erie Marsh region have a great experience and learn as much about the importance of conserving bird habitat as we possibly can. Keeping up with BSBO's responsibilities is a full time job --and then some-- this time of year, but I just can't stop thinking about what we can do to assist with the disaster along the Gulf Coast. I know this isn't much, but it's just a start. We'll keep researching more ways to help and BSBO will pass this information on through every print and electronic method we have. I've done my best to research these organizations and agencies, but there will always be rotten people out there who will take advantage of any situation just to make a buck. Please keep that in mind before you make a donation or give your contact information out to anyone. As you might expect, The Nature Conservancy is on top of this monster. They are already fully engaged in relief efforts and I think their blog will be a great source of information: http://blog.nature.org/ The International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) has been helping birds around the world since 1971. Its mission is to mitigate human impact on aquatic birds and other wildlife. This is achieved through rehabilitation, emergency response, education, research, planning and training. The Alabama Coastal Foundation is collecting contact information from volunteers for cleanup efforts along the Alabama coast should the oil spill reach the state's shores. Call 251-990-6002 The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program is looking for volunteers to help reduce the potential impact of the oil spill in Mobile Bay. Call 251-431-6409. The Mobile Baykeeper is asking for contact details of volunteers is collecting contact information for volunteers to respond anywhere along the Gulf Coast, if needed. Call 251-433-4229. Save Our Seabirds is a Florida bird rescue group that is looking for volunteers and support as its response team prepares to help oiled wildlife. Call 941-388-3010. I know that there's a deep sense of trepidation as we wait to see just how disastrous this monster will be. But, please don't let this keep you from getting outside to enjoy spring migration. We all need inspiration in our lives. I can think of no better way to be inspired to care more about birds and wildlife than get out and watch these beautiful birds and think about the arduous journeys they must make each year and the habitat the depend on for survival. Sincerely, Kimberly Kaufman Executive Director Black Swamp Bird Observatory 13551 West State Route 2 Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 419-898-4070 www.bsbobird.org www.ohioyoungbirders.org www.biggestweekinamericanbirding.com Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BSBOBIRD Become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BSBOBIRD ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]