MIDDLE KEYS, FL – A motorist on U.S. 1 called the Sheriff’s Office Friday to report what appeared to be a bird hanging or ensnared on something near Mile Marker 58.
Middle Keys Marine Deputy Willie Guerra, Marathon Middle/High School SRO Deputy Mercedes Guevara and Deputy Imalay Diaz responded and found the Osprey, also known as a Fish Hawk, hanging from fishing line from a tree. The Deputies quickly realized they couldn’t reach the injured bird and called the Marathon Wild Bird Center for assistance.
Bird Center staff responded with a long cutting tool and they were able to get the injured bird down. The line cut into the bird’s leg so it was taken to the Bird Center for treatment. The bird is expected to be released in a few weeks.