This juvenile Northern Gannet in the process of being cleaned was obviously frightened, but the rehabilitation workers worked tirelessly at their task.
Conversation was held to a minimum and in hushed tones to prevent further stress, but as I watched the workers tending the frightened seabird, thinking what it must be going through, sad lyrics and the haunting tune of a song by Sarah McLachlan kept running through my mind...
"...I need some distraction, oh beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
They may be empty and weightless,
and maybe I'll find some peace tonight..."
"It don't make no difference, escaping one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness,
oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees..."
That brings me to my knees..."
"...In the arms of an angel, fly away from here
From this cold dark hotel room and the endlessness that you fear,
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here..."
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here..."
A couple of Brown pelicans who have made it through the process begin to regain their strength and preen their feathers.
Once they are evaluated to be strong enough, they will be banded/tagged and transported to a safe release area.
We thank the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center's professionals and paraprofessionals -- angels of mercy -- who take such care with the oiled wildlife and work hard to release these beautiful creatures back into a safer environment.
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