A stricken osprey was safely rescued after it was found tethered to its nest - by a discarded fishing line.<br /><br />The female bird of prey was stuck 40-foot high atop a light fixture in Ocean Beach, California, USA, with the fishing line tangled around its foot.<br /><br />After making several failed attempts to fly away to get food for her three nestlings, the San Diego Humane Society organised a recovery.<br /><br />Rescuers used a cherry picker to reach the osprey and safely bring it back to the ground where it was examined by a veterinarian.<br /><br />The tangled fishing line was taken off the dehydrated bird's leg and it was given some fluids before being released back into the wild.<br /><br />After flying a lap of the local are close to its nest, she regrouped with its mate and both returned to their nestlings safely.<br /><br />The San Diego Humane Society said: "A gorgeous osprey made an incredible recovery today after she was freed from a fishing line by our Project Wildlife team.<br /><br />"The Osprey was tethered to her nest high on a light pole at Robb Field in Ocean Beach. <br /><br />"She made several attempts to free herself so she could feed her three nestlings, but due to the string entrapping her foot, she could not fly away. <br /><br />"A partner Osprey parent was also spotted nearby, overseeing the nest, bringing food to the nestlings.<br /><br />"Thanks to bucket truck and personnel, provided by SDG&E, rescuers could reach the bird’s nest 40 feet above ground. <br /><br />"At the direction of Project Wildlife’s Senior Director Dr. Jon Enyart on the ground, SDG&E crews were able to cut the bird free and bring her down to the ground. <br /><br />"Dr. Enyart immediately examined the Osprey on site, cut all the lines off the bird’s foot and gave an injection for hydration. <br /><br />"Thankfully, the Osprey had only suffered some minor scrapes and swelling from being caught in the fishing line and was released within minutes - minimising the stress of human interaction.<br /><br />"The Osprey flew a lap around the baseball diamond, then promptly returned to her nestlings. <br /><br />"The partner Osprey immediately joined the nest as well! We are so pleased that this rescue had a successful outcome, and we are very grateful to SDG&E for their assistance!"
