The osprey is a common bird of prey found around the world. It builds big nests near rivers, lakes and bays. If you look closely with binoculars, you might notice some of these large raptors like to line their nests with discarded baling twine or fishing line, but this habit can kill them.
Ospreys Land in Bind with Baling Twine, Fishing Line
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Discarded baling twine adorns a nest on the outskirts of Missoula. (Courtesy of Erick Greene, Univ. of Montana)
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This is how ospreys’ unhealthy affinity for baling twine can kill. Idaho Fish and Game biologist Beth Waterbury rescued this osprey in the nick of time. (Beth Waterbury, Idaho Fish and Game)
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Linemen from Missoula Electric Cooperative prepare to clean the nest. (Tom Banse/VOA)
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The alarmed osprey parents circle the whole time, but do not act aggressively toward the good Samaritans. (Tom Banse/VOA)