Local Heroes Rescue Osprey Tangled in Marco Island Tree

A young osprey is flying free over Marco Island today because local heroes stepped up. When the bird hung trapped 75 feet in the air, linemen, police, and wildlife experts didn't wait for a federal bailout. They relied on American grit, community action, and hard work to get the job done. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital announced on June 18 that the rescued osprey was successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

How did local teams rescue the trapped osprey?

In early May, the von Arx Wildlife Hospital got the call. A young osprey dangled from fishing line roughly 75 feet above the ground. Brittany Piersma, a Wildlife Biologist with Audubon Western Everglades, hit the scene to assess the situation and coordinate the rescue.

Initial attempts involved teamwork from Audubon Western Everglades, the Marco Island Police Department, Marco Island Fire Rescue, and Brian Beckner of Native Bird Boxes. The height of the entanglement demanded specialized equipment. That is where the private sector stepped in.

LCEC responded quickly and deployed a bucket truck. Dylan Goodwin, LCEC's Journeyman Line Specialist, and Quentin Lutz, LCEC's Lead Line Specialist, went up and safely freed the bird from the line.