Rescue may lead to volunteerism
To the editor:
While out for a walk with the dogs this soggy morning I came across an injured osprey at the end of Miramar Street.
My pups startled it and when the bird fell off the curb and into the flooded street I knew my leisurely morning stroll on the beach was over. As I was returning home to drop off my pups and to grab a towel, I remembered reading about the organization CROW that helps with injured wildlife and their need for volunteers, so I gave them a call.
CROW quickly sent a volunteer and, with the help of a few tourists and locals, we coaxed the very sharped clawed osprey into a cage. We all rejoiced; it was a really good feeling being apart of the rescue of such a strong and beautiful bird. I often see osprey flying high, circling over the beach, soaring high, watchful looking for its next prey. It was a rare sight to see one so helpless and afraid.
So now it is off for her/him to hopefully be rehabilitated and then released back to the island. It was very cool to help CROW in the rescue, and I think I have the rescue bug now. My next call to them will be to see if they’ll let me join the volunteer team! What a morning on my beautiful Fort Myers Beach island!
Jennifer Rusk
Fort Myers Beach