Copied from the Avian forum: Tangled oystercatcher- Warning...disturbing
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.
If the conservation officer acts fast it may be possible to catch the bird with a trap of some sort. If captured I'm sure the bird could be re-habilitated.
I had a similar experience at Cape St. Mary's a month or so ago when I discovered a kittiwake tangled in some rope and hanging from a cliff on Bird Rock. It was so frustrating knowing that it was impossible to get at but that if I could, the bird would survive. Thankfully the bird died quickly after a rather cold night.
Copied from the Avian forum: Tangled oystercatcher- Warning...disturbing
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