Blue Heron With Entangled Beak Rescued At Murphey Candler Park

BROOKHAVEN, GA -- A Great Blue Heron whose beak had become entangled with fishing line and other debris was rescued this week at Brookhaven's Murphey Candler Park. Wildlife photographer Stephen Ramsden said he saw the bird back in late March, and that its beak had become encircled with the debris, rendering the heron unable to open its mouth.

Ramsden told 11Alive he followed the bird for six days before it became weak enough from starvation that it could be rescued. He and some of his birding friends were able to secure the heron under a blanket and tuck its wings so it could be taken to AWARE Wildlife Center in Lithonia.

Now, the bird is being given medical treatment, food and water, in the hopes that the heron -- who Ramsden has named Murph -- will be able to fly again.