Oiled and waterlogged adult Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla) drowning in waters adjacent to a nesting colony on Queen Bess Island. With feathers damaged by oil, birds lose the ability to properly shed water and quickly become waterlogged, heavy and unable to fly. Even a samll amount of oil and water can render a bird flightless. Barataria Bay, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. July 2010.
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Oiled and waterlogged adult Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla) drowning in waters adjacent to a nesting colony on Queen Bess Island. With feathers damaged by oil, birds lose the ability to properly shed water and quickly become waterlogged, heavy and unable to fly. Even a samll amount of oil and water can render a bird flightless. Barataria Bay, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. July 2010.