Bayview residents rescue osprey
Chris Hansen assists Jane Veltkamp with an osprey in Bayview.
Photo by Cecilia Frey.
A summer resident of Bayview recently took swift action to rescue a juvenile osprey found in distress near her home.
On a sunny Sunday morning, while walking her dogs, Debbi Lorenz spotted the large bird in a wooded area and was immediately concerned, having never seen an osprey resting on the ground before.
After a couple of hours, the raptor moved down the hill and ultimately stood in her front yard.
Worried about its welfare due to the warm weather, Lorenz and her husband, Tim, sought help. They contacted a neighbor who confirmed that the bird's behavior was unusual and advised them to consult an expert before taking any action.
Following their neighbor's guidance, they reached out to Jane Veltkamp of Birds of Prey Northwest.
Veltkamp assessed the situation and said that the juvenile osprey likely fell from its nest and was now in a bit of trouble, as its parents would no longer care for it once it was grounded.
She instructed them to capture the bird and transport it to a veterinarian, Dr. Annie Bowes.
Bowes examined the osprey, affectionately named "Bayview," and found no fractures.
Bayview was taken to Birds of Prey's rehabilitation center near St. Maries, where she received care from a foster mother and plenty of fish for three weeks.
On Aug. 22, BOPNW released Bayview back into the wild and close to her original nest, marking a triumphant return to its natural habitat.
"This heartwarming rescue highlights the invaluable work done by Birds of Prey Northwest, which relies on volunteer support and donations to protect and provide medical care to injured eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and ospreys," a press release said.
The community is encouraged to respect and understand these creatures, as 99% of all birds of prey are injured due to human intervention.
Residents are advised to avoid approaching or feeding any wild birds, especially juveniles, to ensure their survival in the wild. BOPNW is available for live birds of prey programs. Info:[email protected]