Letter to the Editor: Anhinga in Distress

Looking for advice. There is a beautiful anahinga (sic) that has string wrapped around its beak and has been unable to get it off.

I am pretty sure that it is the same one as last year that had moss and it eventually worked its way off. This is DIFFERENT. While the bird can catch fish, he is unable to eat them as he cannot get his beak open.

He visits our pond every day. He communicates with me and shows off his underwater swimming ability. I have beautiful pictures of him. He even let me touch his wing once. I called Avian hospital who referred me to Seabird Sanctuary and they said to place a towel over him to catch and then try and cut string.

I have been unsuccessful and I am very worried about him. He is up in a tree now so I can only try again tomorrow.

He appeared to be cold and shivering this morning but he still flies and swims well.

Does anyone know if there are bird rescues that will come out?

He only needs string removed and then I think he can be released. He is used to this area and will do fine once he can fish again.

While we cannot save the whole world of anhingas... I think making a difference for this one is very important.

-Dorothy Bryan