Osprey trapped in tree rescued at Metro Park

GROVEPORT, Ohio ( WCMH ) — An osprey caught in a tree at Walnut Woods Metro Park was freed safely after a quick-thinking rescue mission.

A park visitor alerted staff Tuesday morning after witnessing an osprey tangled in a dead tree right off the Kestrel Trail at Walnut Woods. About 30 feet off the ground, the bird’s talon was wrapped in material caught on a branch, according to a Facebook post from the park’s team.

Park staff partnered with Admar Construction Equipment and Supplies, who brought a lift to reach the tree top. It lifting park tech James Boston into the air to free the osprey.

Boston, who park staff said has no fear of heights, was lifted into the air to help detangle the osprey. On the ground, park staff prepared to transport the osprey. Staff said it was unclear if the bird was injured while it was trapped. Once free, Boston wrapped the bird in a towel for both the staff and the osprey’s safety.

Safely returned to the ground, staff worked to cut the material from the osprey’s talon. With no visible injuries, the bird was released back to the skies.

“See ya later!” the team wrote. “Park staff was so happy to see this guy fly away.”

Osprey’s talons are no joke, and the bottom of their feet are covered in short, sharp spines — specific adaptations for gripping and carrying fish, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. According to ODNR, ospreys have a typical wingspan of 4-5 feet.

“We could not have hoped for a better outcome,” Walnut Woods staff said.

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