An elderly gentleman was taking one of his regular strolls through Massapequa Park in New York when he stumbled upon something quite unusual – or more accurately, he heard something very strange.
The sound was reminiscent of an animal noise, akin to that of a dinosaur.
Curious, the elderly man approached to investigate and discovered a large creature in distress, visibly injured and calling out for aid.
The Cries of Pain
Amidst a tangle of vines and thorns, he discovered a great blue heron – a sizable wading bird typically found in North and Central America.
The unfortunate bird was clearly hurt and required assistance.
Seeing its plight, the man promptly reached out to local wildlife rescuer, Karenlynn Stracher.
Stracher is a retired NYC paramedic as well as a licensed animal rehabilitator who provides care for sick and injured wild animals throughout Nassau County.
Upon receiving the distress call, Stracher sprang into action. When she arrived, she too noticed the bird’s distinctive calls.
“They sound like dinosaurs,” she stated in her video shared on her TikTok page.
The bird’s wings were ensnared in the vines and thorns, causing it significant pain. It exhibited fear, and even in its injured state, it attempted to escape from her.
“He was extremely scared but started to settle down a little as I worked to free him,” Karenlynn Stracher shared with The Dodo.
It’s not uncommon for wild animals to be frightened, though she wished there was a way to convey that she was there to help.
Once she freed the bird, Stracher marveled at its true beauty. She gently cradled it and placed it into a carrier.
Getting Help
Most blue herons migrate to warmer regions during the winter months, yet some choose to remain in northern territories.
Staying north can be risky, but if they have access to open water and adequate food, it can be successful. Unfortunately, as evidenced by this situation, not every blue heron that decides to stay makes it through the winter.
This particular bird was fortunate to be discovered and taken to a facility where it could receive proper care.
It was likely struck by a vehicle, which left it grounded. Tragically, the poor creature suffered injuries to both its beak and leg.
Stracher delivered him to her colleagues at the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, New York, for further evaluation and ongoing treatment.
Take a moment to watch the rescue mission:
@wildliferehab_kl https://linktr.ee/cookiekl #wildlife #wildliferescue #wildliferescuer #wildliferehab #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabber #greatblueheron #greatblueheronrescue #bird #birdrescue #injuredbird #everylifematters #blueheron ♬ original sound – KL the Wildlife Rehabilitator
The bird is expected to fully recover and be released back into the wild, where it truly should be.
If not for the thoughtful gentleman’s sharp observations, the bird might not have made it.
Additionally, if you would like to assist more animals like this majestic bird, please consider donating to the Sweetbriar Nature Center.
