ST. PAUL — Minnesota wildlife officials are concerned about effects of the recent oil spill in Galveston, Texas on loons and other migratory birds that will soon fly to Minnesota and other Midwestern states.

The full effect of the spill in Galveston Bay last weekend is not yet known, but oil-covered loons have already been found. Environmental groups say the spill occurred at an especially sensitive time and place in a channel where tens of thousands of wintering birds are still in the area. Dozens of birds from six species have needed treatment due to the oil.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wildlife supervisor Carrol Henderson said. Adult loons usually winter east of Galveston, but researchers will know more about their condition when they observe the loons and other birds after they migrate to Minnesota this summer.