A positive spin on sad

We received word that the little oily bird died.  We had hoped for the best, but we understood that most birds in that situation don't make it, so we weren't surprised.

What did surprise us was how much good has come from this situation.  To start, we were very happily surprised that the guys even gave us the oil soaked bird.  First, they were taking a risk because they had to admit that there was an open pan of oil, which isn't good.  Second, it would have been very easy to just throw the little bird in the bushes because it was "just" a little bird.  Instead, they risked our wrath and brought the poor little soul to us.  Big kudos to the crew!

Second, this made us realize how excellent the Belize wildlife network is.  I called Nikki at Belize Bird Rescue, who talked me through first steps with the bird.  Within 10 minutes, I had a call from Dr. Isabelle at Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic, who gave me more advice and explained the bird's chances and why we should try to get the bird in for professional help.  Agreed!

Third, when we had trouble getting the bird down the hill to BWRC because of serious flooding up here, Rony and Jonathan of the Peregrine Fund stationed at Hidden Valley, and Roni, the conservation officer at Blancaneaux, drove out through poor and detiorating conditions to get the bird to BWRC.

Finally, when the bird died, Dr. Isabelle was inspired to start a new campaign to educate the public on how to not endanger and save wildlife.  All over a teeny-tiny little oil soaked bird which we all knew would have to beat some major odds to survive.

I can't even begin to thank all of these people for taking time to do something that would seem futile to most people, and to restore my faith in humanity, and to use this situation for future good.  Gracias!