On August 1st, Tom Clark, Vice-President of Napa Wildlife Rescue, did a dramatic rescue of a fledgling Osprey. The troubled bird was spotted by nature photographers who monitored the nest and reported the youngster’s entanglement.
The young bird was caught by a wad of fishing line mistakenly brought in by the parents to make a soft lining for the nest.
As the juvenal tried to fledge off the nest, its tangled foot and leg made it impossible. This amazing bird, which had been named Mona, would likely die or lose the use of its leg without help!
The rescue was scheduled while the parents were usually fishing.
Ospreys are huge birds with wingspans of five feet, and extremely sharp beaks and talons. They are also very protective of their offspring. Tom, trained to handle large birds, wore a climbing harness, helmet, and gloves for safety from a fall or an attack from the parents and climbed a 25-foot ladder up to the huge nest. There he met, not only a frightened and aggressive Mona, with her wings spread and talons out, but also a swarm of angry wasps. As planned, the parents were off fishing so only the young bird and the wasps attacked him.
Regardless, Tom carefully cut the fishing line from the Osprey and removed the remaining ball of line from the nest.
Tom reached the ground just in time for the return of the fledging nest mate and the parents with fresh fish for their two hungry kids. After lunch, Mona exercised her wings and took her first free flight!
Inspired by Tom’s Dramatic Rescue of this Young Osprey, We Are Excited to Announce,
Napa Wildlife Rescue
Has been Chosen as the Current Recipient of
Clark-Claudon Vineyards Cabernet for Care!
Please Join Us in Making this Partnership a Success!
Thank you to, John Ehrenfeld, nature photographer and volunteer with the Bureau of Reclamation; Cheryl Trueblood, nature photographer, and safety rope experts, Brian & Briana Forgie.
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