Julie Loparo — a longtime Westport dog and wildlife advocate — writes:
There has been a great deal of concern about the ospreys this summer — and with good reason.
According to the staff of Wildlife in Crisis, our osprey friends have had a very difficult year. They have presented to Wildlife in Crisis in emaciated condition, because there is not enough for them to eat.
There needs to be better monitoring of fishing activity all around Westport. I’m not sure which local officials are responsible for monitoring (checking for fishing licenses, catching of under-sized fish) and the dangerous debris left behind, but it’s an issue the town needs to look at soon — and intensely, for the sake of our ospreys and other wildlife in the area.
The agencies that encourage this activity much be responsible for cleaning up the inevitable deadly mess left behind.
This adult osprey was found this summer near Greens Farms Academy, struggling on the ground entangled in fishing line and impaled with 12 fish hooks. He had been seen flying around for weeks with the line hanging off him.
Injured osprey
He was being tracked by Westport animal control officer and Wildlife in Crisis intake director Peter Reid (wearing both hats).
Thankfully Officer Reid finally captured him. He was brought to Wildlife in Crisis, where staff carefully removed all the fishing paraphernalia.
Fishing hooks, removed from osprey.
They allowed him to rest and heal first in their clinic, and then their flight cage to prepare for release.
Ospreys are tricky patients. Their long fragile wings must heal perfectly to enable flight. They are easily stressed in captivity, and rarely eat on their own so hand feeding is necessary.
Osprey, after Wildlife in Crisis treatment …
After a course of antibiotics to address infected wounds, he was ready for release. The Wildlife in Crisis handlers brought him back to the site of origin last week, and he flew beautifully back to his nest.
… and flying home.
Sadly, he must continue to contend with polluted sound water in Westport where he was found, as well as other fishing hazards.
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