From yesterday at Nickerson Beach. I found this bird helplessly standing on the shoreline while his parents fed in the surf. Thinking I might be able to help, I went back to my car for a blanket and scissors. Two photographers were on the beach that I did not recognize, but when I explained the situation and my plan, one graciously offered to help, despite beautiful light (6:30 am), and having made a long trip here. (I had noted the plates on their car). On the way toward the bird, we introduced ourselves, and I now have a friend in Denise Ippolito. Sadly, because the bird can fly, we could not catch it, but I am taking hope that there may be help as I notified the conservation officer who drove by.
Very sad sight and I hope someone will be able to catch and help the bird, the fishing line seems to be very tight, must be painful.
A while back I was luckier at helping a bird. A little sanderling had tried to eat a clam which closed so tightly with the bird's bill inside that he was stuck. The clam was so heavy that he couldn't even fly. This was 'good' as I could catch him and open the mussel and release the little guy.
Grace, The line is sooo tight, his foot is looking bad. I hope someone will be able to get him some help.:(
It was a true pleasure to meet someone with such a caring heart-please keep us updated if you get any news.
Sad Grace, I have found birds with big fishhooks in their webs. I call the humane society and they through a huge blanket over it for transport, return it to the original site and all is well. This was a swan which was easy to catch. I have tried it with a smaller bird and they are impossible to catch. Hope for the best here. Hope it doesn't lose the foot.
Not a great sight to witness, and unbeknowing to the OC, approaching him, he thinks you are a danger - meanwhile all you want to do is help. Hope he makes it.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, this one speaks volumes. You may not have succeeded in helping this individual but perhaps this image will open the eyes of others and help to prevent a similar tragedy. Nature photography isn't always about "pretty" pictures, the ones that matter are the ones that elicit an emotional response resulting in actions being taken.
Hi Grace
What a sad sight. I am afraid that is an issue that will not go away as long as fishing lines and other detritus are left to lie on beaches in gutters and wherever else. I truly hope this little fellow makes it. Hard to catch. In my experience as a wildlife carer, once you are able to catch a bird its condition is usually very deteriorated mostly to the point of "beyond help". Maybe the local wildlife people can shoot a net at it to detain and then go. but that leg does look pretty bad.
What you can do, is try and get this image to your local media with a short piece on what effect rubbish has on wildlife. Just a thought and you may be doing it in vain. But educating the public is the key. I know, big words and big wishes.
Hey Grace,
Saw him this morning.....he isn't doing well....serious limp and not feeding. I tried getting closer, thinking he was tired.....flew away. Not looking good.
Thanks to all for the words. This is eating me up. I would say to anyone who goes to Nick, try and get the attention of the conservation people. I'm going to try calling them tomorrow, but as time passes, this poor creature is doomed. Such a pity after making it this far. Roman, were the parents still around him?
Hey Grace,
Yes the parents were nearby.....but the chick was at the top of the tide line and limped away as joggers came by (that's why I noticed it). He wasn't being fed though....so I fear the worst.
Try a cast net at night. Provided you can follow where it goes to roost and somehow sneak up on it, should be less alert. Although if it weakens more, catching it will become easier. Try anything in this moment of desperation then get it to a vet. Not sure after all this time waiting and agonizing how this little one will fare. Your conservation people sound like our National Parks people. They'll get to it later? :shake head:
Good luck friends from the wrong side of the globe. :)
I had to rescue a native bird today and it was put to sleep. Had been attacked by its own kind. Must have been on the ground for days. Was a breeze to catch, it had NO energy to fight or flee. Keel was very prominent, the wing joints and bones totally exposed as the skin and flesh were torn off by the marauding birds that attacked it. :(
Peter,
Not being allowed is one thing, people not giving a flying fox's foot is another. That's why we all need to educate the public and if graphic is what the educational message needs to be, then let it be. Awareness is created by education and while it is great to have a guideline or law in place many will not follow it anyway. :(
Tangled oystercatcher- Warning...disturbing
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