Injured hawk now free to fly
THIS magnificent sea hawk lay tangled up in a trawler's net in a mess of muck and broken feathers a little over a week ago.
On Wednesday, the osprey flew high above the Port of Bundaberg and swooped low over the marina after being nursed back to health by local wildlife carers.
Fishermen rescued the predatory seabird from the net and handed it over to Queensland Parks and Wildlife officers.
Queensland Wildlife Carers Bundaberg committee member Dave Derrett cared for the animal at his Bundaberg home.
He said the osprey had enjoyed a quick recovery from a state of extreme exhaustion and distress.
"It was in a sorry state, I can tell you. It was lying there with broken feathers all covered in muck," he said
The impressive hunter has a wingspan of more than 150cm and a set of razor-sharp talons.
Mr Derrett said the bird wasted no time hunting down its next feed.
"It got straight back into it out there," he said.
"I don't think it's going to have any problems."
