There has been a lot going on in my life, a crazy time of change, remembrance, and sentiment. Along the way, I haven’t forgotten the birds, and we must never forget what we can do for birds and what our actions might do to harm birds. To spark those memories and inspire better actions we can always do, this month’s giveaway commemorates the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the thirteenth anniversary of that unlucky event – let’s make it lucky for one winner! Enter to win your own copy of an amazing book that will help you remember and help birds simultaneously.
Remembering Deepwater Horizon
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill began on April 20, 2010, when at approximately 7:45 p.m. an explosion occurred on the offshore oil rig, killing 11 workers, ultimately sinking the rig and unleashing a catastrophic amount of oil over the next 87 days, until the well could be capped. Hundreds of millions of gallons of oil were spilled over those weeks, savagely contaminating not only ocean water, but also gulf coastlines, intracoastal waterways, estuaries, beaches, and so much more.
Massive amounts of wildlife were killed or contaminated by the spill, with both critical nesting grounds and habitats impacted. Tar balls and remnants of the spill were still being reported years after the event, despite massive cleanup efforts and donations from all over the world.
The Prize to Win
Part of those donations came from a very special book, Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf by Olivia Bouler. Just 11 years old at the time, the young artist began sketching birds to help raise money to help, ultimately raising more than $200,000 to support cleanup, restoration, and rehabilitation efforts. More than 40 of her full-color sketches are documented in her book, along with trivia about each species and practical tips to help all birds, habitats, and wildlife.
This month’s giveaway is a hardcover copy of Olivia’s Birds, paired with a Waterford Press Pocket Naturalist Guide of Eastern Coastal Birds illustrating some of the species most affected by the Deepwater Horizon spill. One winner will receive both!
Enter the Giveaway
For a chance to win Olivia’s Birds and the Eastern Coastal Birds pamphlet, you just have to answer the following question in the comments below…
What is something you do
to help protect birds and wildlife?
Let’s share lots of ideas to do our part, whether we live near coastal waters or far inland – birds are everywhere and they can always use our help. For me, I always try to recycle, reduce water and electricity use, pick up litter, minimize plastic and chemical use, and other simple steps – they can make a BIG difference.
When adding a comment as your giveaway entry, you must include a valid email address for contact if you are selected. The giveaway is only open to United States participants, and by entering, participants agree to the Giveaway Guidelines. Entries will close on the anniversary date of the spill – Thursday, April 20 – and the winner will be randomly selected at that time. Enter today for a chance to win!
The entry period has ended and comments are now closed.
Stay tuned for the winner announcement!
Hi Melissa, I do all that you mentioned to try to protect our birds and wildlife. One specific thing I do is that, first I normally will refuse to buy anything with those six-pack plastic rings, but when I’ve had any I would cut them into little pieces. I’m so happy they seem to be phasing them out!
I provide food, water and protectied places to nest for birds in my backyard
Last year I received an email from the DNR asking residents to take down bird feeders to help prevent the spread of an avian disease going around. I complied but took it a step farther. Instead of putting the feeders back up after an appropriate time, I planted Elderberry bushes around my yard to provide natural food for the birds. I also have mulberry, crab apple, apple , pear and peach trees; all providing food and nesting places.
I live on the coast of LA about 20 miles from where clean up base was Port Fourchon. It’s been such a crazy year. The best thing I can do for birds is watch them, I don’t have the time to keep up with feeders.