A call from a concerned visitor at Ding Darling reported a Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) thrashing and vocalizing in distress. The heron was tightly ensnared and unable to free itself from monofilament fishing line with a hook that had been left dangling from a shoreline tree.

When our team arrived, the bird was in extreme distress. The line had constricted around the wing, causing swelling and restricting its movement. Fortunately, the hook was not injuring the bird, however it was dangerously close to becoming embedded in the heron’s wing.

This is a scenario we see far too often. One of the leading causes of injury in wading birds admitted to CROW involves fishing hooks and discarded line, usually entanglement or ingestion. Monofilament line is particularly dangerous. It is nearly invisible, incredibly strong, and slow to degrade. Even a short length left behind can trap birds, turtles, and other wildlife for days.

After admission, the heron was carefully freed from the line and started on supportive care to address inflammation and soft tissue trauma. Over the following days, the swelling around the wing gradually resolved. With rest and rehabilitation, the bird regained full strength and range of motion.

Prior to release the heron underwent a formal flight test. It successfully demonstrating strong lift, sustained flight, proper steering, and a controlled landing, all of which are essential for survival in the wild. CROW is happy to share that the Little Blue Heron was released in Ding Darling this week.

Ding Darling is widely recognized as one of South Florida’s premier fishing destinations, in part because of its conservation-focused regulations, including restrictions on motorized boats within the refuge. These protections help preserve critical habitat for thousands of animals. However, even in protected areas, a single discarded fishing line can have devastating consequences.

If you fish, please properly dispose of all line and hooks and use monofilament recycling bins. Never cut and leave discarded line. If you get snagged, make sure to grab every piece!

Because one observant visitor made a call, this bird was given a second chance.

CROW Case A Week stories are written by Jordan Bryant, CROW’s Education and Marketing Intern. These stories appear weekly in Santiva Chronicle.