Lots of us “talk the talk” when it comes to expressing willingness to help during a disaster. In the last few days, we’ve seen what it means to “walk the walk,” as volunteers have acted with remarkable heroism in helping many hundreds of sick and dying seabirds on area beaches.

Alfred Hitchcock famously made birds the villains in his 1963 suspense thriller, but they are infinitely more likely to be the victims of nature and humanity. The current case is a perfect example of how a seemingly miniscule environmental change can dramatically upset the natural balance and reveal the fragile underpinnings of avian life on the edge of the ocean.

For reasons that are poorly understood, near-shore waters became soapy in the past couple weeks with chemical byproducts from a sort of algae that bloomed in profusion all of a sudden. This stripped feathers of their natural waterproofing, allowing frigid seawater to soak birds to the skin. Countless numbers of them probably died from hypothermia and drowning, sinking without a trace to feed the crabs.

But a considerable fraction washed or swam ashore, where they certainly would have succumbed from their condition or been killed by predators as they shivered helplessly. Thank goodness, there was help in the form of rescuers led by the Wildlife Center of the North Coast. Along with state wildlife professionals, the U.S. Coast Guard and other rescuers from as far away as California, WCNC Director Sharnelle Fee and her helpers logged hundreds of hours of labor in recent days.

Dealing with hundreds of gravely sick, grouchy, incompatible seabirds is nobody’s idea of fun, but the job was approached with enormous compassion and gusto. All involved deserve our admiration, thanks and financial support.

Anyone who could supply dry towels, portable dog kennels, volunteer their time and energy, or who would like to donate money to the Wildlife Center of the North Coast is asked to call (503)?338-0331. The address is 89686 Oregon Highway 202, Astoria, OR 97103 and donations can also be made online at (www.coastwildlife.org)

It’s impossible to predict at this point whether events like this will become more common. Let’s hope not. But we should help WCNC get ready, just in case.