Loon Rescue 2005

A quick ride to Midland OSPCA to get our loon checked out and looked after was a success. She was put into a pool. To keep that very important waterproofing in tack. She was x-rayed and all the line and other fishing stuff was taken off her. She had some hooks inside her but they would desolve with the acids in her stomach over time. They were not causing her any problems. But if it had of been lead that would have been very different. Lead poisoning in birds is lethal. A few have been saved if gotten really early. But it is a horrible slow painful death. If this loon had of had it. They would have euthanized it then. So it didn't have to suffer. She got a shot of antibiotics. Was fed fish to make sure she could dive and catch her food. It was all good. A thorough check up and a good clean bill of health. She was ready for her trip back to the water to be released. She called out. A lonely cry of thanks. It was amazing. It brought tears to my eyes. What this beautiful bird had to go through was so unnecessary. It should never have happened. 

 So sad to see all this fishing hardware inside of our loon. It is a sign that fishermen NEED to be more responsible. I know not every line and lure can be retrieved. But I have also seen when it could be. It was just cut and left or left behind on the shoreline. And this my friends is what happens to that. It doesn't break down. Ever. It gets washed back into the water and our precious wildlife gets caught up in it and starve to death slowly. PLEASE be RESPONSIBLE.

 Getting her shot of antibiotics before she is taken back to the lake to be set free.She was a very good patient. And now has a full tummy and is free of restraining fishing line.