Osprey Rescued by Penelec Electric Company
Sunday, April 25, 2010
HARRISBURG – An osprey that had become tangled in bailer twine and caught in electric lines crossing over Cummings Creek Road in Nelson Township, Tioga County, was rescued from its high-wire snare, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Robert Minnich.
A Penelec employee works to free an osprey from being entangled with bailer twine and an electric wire in Nelson Township, Tioga County.
“Employees from Penelec electric company did a great job getting the bird down for me,” WCO Minnich. “Once on the ground, I removed the twine and observed the bird for several minutes checking the leg and foot. No major injuries were found, only a few abrasions and the leg was weak.
“After working the leg slowly, the osprey eventually strengthened and was opening and closing its talons. When it flew away, I noticed that the leg was hanging a little lower than the other leg, but fine otherwise.”
WCO Minnich returned to the scene on April 12, and found both birds were around the nest site.
“One was sitting in the nest and the other one was sitting on another electric pole eating a fish,” Minnich said. “I believe it was a nice black crappie.
After being freed from its high-wire snare, the osprey is seen standing on a nearby telephone pole.
“This is just another example
