Red Tide, Oil Spill, and Some Very Sad News

Here's a link to another news story that I can't seem to post on the blog.

I often listen to the news on the long drive to the bird rehab center. One of the stories on the radio this weekend was about a mid-air collision between a Coast Guard plane and a Marine helicopter, down in San Diego. One hears a story like this, and the sadness one feels is real, if somehow abstract. The loss of life, the grief of the survivors touches one's heart, even if all the parties involved are strangers.

I followed the updates on the unsuccessful search for survivors on my long commutes over the past few days. It was only today that I learned that this was the same plane and crew who flew the hundreds of injured sea-birds down from Oregon, so they could be treated by the wildlife hospital where I'm volunteering.

I cannot find words to express my feelings about this strange intersection of events.

Not surprisingly, everyone at the bird center was trying to think of the kindest way they could express their appreciation to this Coast Guard crew, and their families.