As mentioned in our last post about the impacts of the Gulf oil spill on migratory birds, I did an interview on Monday with Radio Canada International’s show The Link about the vast number of birds who have flown to and through the Gulf Coast on their migratory paths, beginning in Canada’s boreal forest. Listen to the interview below to hear what the situation looks like on the ground and how birds are and will continue to be affected.

Listen to interview (.mp3) >

I mentioned toward the end of the interview that the best thing Canadians can do for these birds – given the fact that the Gulf cleanup efforts are located in the U.S. – is to better protect Canada’s vast and intact boreal forest. While these birds’ wintering grounds are outside of Canada’s borders (and thus sovereignty), ensuring they have expansive and healthy summer breeding grounds when they return would be a fresh sigh of relief after a risky and troublesome trip to the Gulf.

Click to enlarge: