Bird Rescue at the Shell Refinery

In the course of a typical day at the Martinez Shell Refinery, it's doubtful that "bird rescue" enters the job description. But that's what happened Friday, when a worker at the clean fuels processing area noticed three fledgling birds on the ground that had apparently fallen from the tree. 

As the birds were too young to fly, the worker put them in a box for transport. They turned out to be white-throated swifts, which nest high and fly fast (thanks, Google). Plant operators called Lindsay Wildlife Museum and communication specialist Erin Hallissy drove them there. Once the birds recover and are strong enough, the museum will return the birds to their home at the refinery.

According to Hallissy, the Shell Refinery is home to a number of birds "and other critters," though she wasn't specific as to what species the term "critter" includes. Apparently, though, the bird and other critters help keep the pests under control.

Erin says a hawk was found a couple of years ago on the ground, and it also was  taken to the Lindsay Wildlife hospital, where it was cared for and eventually returned to the refinery.

As for the white-throated swifts, we applaud the worker who took the time and effort to rescue the fledglings.

"The workers were happy to rescue the birds and send them to the hospital, and they are looking forward to the day they can be returned to the refinery where they were born," she said.

Hallissy added that the refinery plans to make a donation to the Lindsay Museum "to show our gratitude for the excellent care they always provide to animals in need."