PAGE 12 - July 14, 2010
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Rehabbed birds given new life
in Tallahassee
Three pied-billed grebes, which were rehabilitated and survived impacts of the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill, were released on Lake Talquin near Tallahassee on Thursday.
The birds were given quite a distinguished send off into the wild with Gov. Charlie Crist. All
three birds immediately took to the waters of Lake Talquin.
“It’s gratifying to play a small role in getting these birds back into the wild where
they belong,” Crist said. “It’s a special thing to realize how important wildlife is, how beau-
tiful our state is and the importance of protecting wildlife, beaches and businesses.”
Dr. Heidi Stout, executive director of Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research brought
three oiled grebes to Lake Talquin. The birds were rescued from beaches on Perdido Key,
Miramar and Gulf Breeze and then successfully rehabilitated by Tri-State. Tri-State and
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have been coordinating all recovery and re-
habilitation efforts for wildlife impacted by the oil spill in Florida with assistance and sup-
port from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). James Burrett,
manager of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, represented the USFWS and also assisted
in releasing the birds. Nick Wiley, executive director of the FWC, also was on hand to assist
with the release.
“It’s definitely a team effort,” Wiley said. “The scientists strategically found the
best release area so the birds have the best chance for survival.”
Stout said she was confident the grebes would stay on Lake Talquin and not attempt to return
to the sites where they had been rescued, covered in oil.
“The state and federal agencies involved in this project are reasonably assured the
The Inglis Police Department recently added a new summer uniform for its officers. Chief
birds won’t go back to the oiled areas,” Stout said. “This is a beautiful location and a perfect
Steve Dixon added a grey polo shirt and black tactical shorts for the officers to wear to help
spot for them to thrive.”
combat the high temperatures and humidity during the hot summer months. The summer uni-
Lake Talquin was chosen for its marshy shores and large body of fresh water, which will
form is optional and can be worn instead of the standard Class B unifrom. Sgt. Mack Ballard
provide plenty of insects and fish for the birds to eat. Pied-billed grebes are year round
said the officers welcome the new uniform option, especially with the equipment they must
Florida residents and usually nest in fresh water.
carry, as it is cooler and ‘breaths.’ Pictured is K-9 Officer Tim Letson who is partnered with K-9
Tri-State has been contracted by BP to provide wildlife assistance with species that
Elvis. Inglis has another K-9 Officer, Tim Swiggett, who is partnered with K-9 Boston.
are impacted by the oil spill. All rehabilitation efforts are coordinated through USFWS and
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm & Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Tri-State.
(352)447-2611
“Through strong partnerships, such as the USFWS and Tri-State, we are saving
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birds and giving them a fighting chance,” Wiley said. To report oiled wildlife, call the Oiled
Wildlife Hotline number at 866-557-1401.
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Gov. Charlie Crist assists with the release of a rehabbed pied-billed grebe into Lake Talquin.
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