Kingfisher Rescue

Story and photos by Donna Reinstein

What an amazing morning on the Boise River last weekend Sunday 29th. I was able to witness a Belted Kingfisher being rescued from being caught in a fishing lure hanging on a branch over the river. Awesome teamwork by the bystanders all working together to save him!

I was walking by the river when I saw a kingfisher thrashing about in the brush which wasn't typical behavior I had ever seen. I then saw that he was actually caught in a fishing lure and line hanging from a large branch overhanging the river. Just then three fisherman waded over from across the river who said they had just seen the kingfisher fly over and go for the lure and had gotten caught. They decided to come see if they could try and free him.

Unfortunately the branch was over a deep spot in the river and they were unable to reach it. Thankfully just then a couple came by on the path and I explained what was happening and the man said he had a hand saw and rope in his car! While he was in the park getting the equipment he saw animal control park officers and asked if they would be able to come help.

During this time I contacted Animals In Distress, and spoke with the Ruth Melichar Bird Center for assistance and direction. I then described the efforts as it was taking place and verified that once rescued the kingfisher would be delivered to them by the animal control staff.

Jennifer Rockwell, director of the center, said that because he was rescued so quickly his injury was very treatable and that he would be okay with treatment and an overnight stay. He had a laceration to his lower mandible from the fishing lure but there was no major soft tissue damage and received a dose of antibiotic.

The following day I was lucky to watch as Jennifer released him back into nature!

Here are a few photos and clips of the rescue (and release!) The images are difficult to view seeing the little bird in distress, it was certainly hard to watch as it was happening. But thanks to the efforts of this gathered little team (being in the right place at the right time!) the little guy was rescued! So wonderful!!!

I found out that fishing line is one of the biggest causes of bird injury according to Jennifer Rockwell, Director of Ruth Melichar Bird Center. She felt this incident should be viewed in order to highlight this problem and to try to prevent further injury to birds and animals. You can learn more about the rescue and rehabilitation center on their website and Facebook page.

This is a good reminder that anglers should do whatever they can to remove lines and lures wherever and whenever it's possible to do so! Additionally if we as passersby see fishing lines or lures (or other debris) that we can safely retrieve and dispose of then we can be of service to the wildlife we love!

12/13/20 NOTE: There are times in which it is unsafe for anglers to retrieve their fishing tackle. I want to clarify that in this particular case anglers were unfortunately unable to retrieve their tackle because of how far this branch was overhanging the river and how deep it is in this spot. Last week I spoke with Idaho Parks and Recreation to check what people could do in these situations. If you have any concerns about fallen branches, debris, and other unsafe items which could pose a threat to wildlife or people in or along the Boise River you may contact them. They can then evaluate the situation and take action to remedy it as needed. In some cases they utilize the U.S. Forestry Service and Boise Fire Department for assistance in these matters.