The wildlife center has detailed their treatment protocol, explaining that their immediate priority has been to "clear airways and flush oil from the eyes and mouth, and provide heat support." The organization notes that the washing process for each bird takes an hour.

A pair of ducks paddled toward the bank of the aptly named Muddy River on Monday, heading away from a state employee in a kayak who was trying to coax them toward the riverbank, where people in white jumpsuits stood ready with nets to catch the oil-covered birds.