We had a quiet and nice paddle to Shell Island and plenty of time for a long stroll on the beach.
However, on the way back up the beach we found a bird fouled in some fishing line. Its beak was wrapped shut, and wrapped to his neck and his legs, which were wrapped quite well along with his wings. So we captured the bird, got the scissors from our first aid kit and set about freeing the critter. Here are the photos as taken by Cherie. (Mighty nice photo work during anxious times and with someone elses camera.)
We try to keep a soft bag around his head to keep him calm while Donna cuts away lots of wrapped fishing line.
Donna is gradually cutting the line away from both legs.
You can see the line wrapped in and around its beak.
Then Lisa handled the pincers while Donna worked the scissors and I tried not to strangle the struggling bird.
We are getting close, but still have to cut line from around both wings.
Then we give thanks for seeing the bird in its great distress and having tools with us to help.
And leave our new avian friend to recuperate and fly away.
Cherie selected this as a wonderful way to have a non-traditional Christmas. All five of us ended up with a wonderful non-traditional experience.
