Green Heron Rescue Mission

 I  would like to bring to your attention the harm fish lines and hooks did to a green heron.

This morning I was accompanied by an old-time colleague and close friend, Li Zhu, who was on a business trip from Nanjing, China to New Jersey.  Li was determined to conduct a pilgrimage at Brightwood Park after seeing some of the photos I took and shared with him in the past.  

Li and I arrived at the park around 7:30 a.m.  While we were passing the bridge and dam, we heard a noise in the pond and saw an object struggling underneath a tree.  After a close examination, it turned out to be a young green trapped in fish lines and two fish hooks.  The bird looked exhausted and was extremely nervous. 

Li and I tried to untangle the lines to release the poor bird.  After being bitten by the bird a few times and stung by the fish hook once, we were able to set the heron free and gladly saw the bird standing up on a tree branch recovering.

I hope the fishing activities in the park can involve some self-discipline by not leaving behind fish lines or hooks, to allow little or no chance of creating hazards for both people and animals.
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