An osprey was found on the ground on the side of a road in the Lane Road area on April 10. While it was standing upright and hopping when approached, it could not fly. It was caught and transported to the Wings Rescue Center in Rockport. After examination, it needed further diagnosis and treatment at the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) in Port Aransas. At the ARK the osprey was x-rayed showing numerous pellets in its left wing and shoulder which had broken some small bones in the wing. Through diligent care, the osprey healed and was released at Charlie’s Bait Camp on May 10.

Locals report that there are three other ospreys who hang out together in this area and they feel that one of these is the injured bird’s mate.
Ospreys are not known to nest along the Texas Mid-Coast but folks are encouraged to watch for ospreys and report sightings through the free citizen science app, eBird. Osprey are fish eating raptors and like all raptors, it is illegal to shoot them.

-Brigid Berger