With March comes the return of the osprey!
As we to stay true to our goal of introducing ourselves, Church on The Rock…COTR, we want to share one of our Wildlife Rescue stories about an osprey.
But before we move on, we’d like to share information that we’ve often heard from the professionals: It’s best to leave wildlife alone and not interfere. Many times, when a baby bird falls from their nest, their parents will keep track of it and actually care for it on the ground. But sometimes, having a helping hand can make all the difference between a happy ending and not. Let’s face it, anyone who has watched the Wild Kingdom growing up knows that nature can be a pretty rough place. So if you see what you believe to be an abandoned or injured bird, make note of where it is and contact a wildlife rehabilitation center like the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, A Place Called Hope, or someone like Lisa or me. We have included more information below.
The following is written by my wife, Lisa, who has been heading up the Wildlife Rescue branch of COTR. — Karl Eiriksson
Hello, fellow Fishers Island residents and visitors,
This is a story that might not have ended so well if it hadn’t been for all those who played a part. On July 2, 2025, a 2-to 3-week-old Osprey either fell or was pushed out of the nest on Chris & Nancy Dewey’s property. We have no idea how long he was on the ground after the 30ft fall. Mr. Dewey’s caretaker, Jose Rios, found him mid-morning. And, as “coincidence” (I prefer God-incidence) happens, Tiggy was there and said, “I know just who to call!” What are the chances of that! When I went and got the bird, He was pretty lethargic, and I was having trouble getting him to eat. But when Karl came home, he made the sound of an Osprey, and that little guy threw his head back, opened his beak, and took every piece of salmon (from the Farro Islands) that he was offered.
Diane Dexter takes a turn at feeding Baby Fisher
Video c/o Church on the Rock
Now, being as it was July 4th weekend, no lifts were available to get him back into the nest. This turned out to be another blessing in disguise. I contacted my friend Christine, who runs A Place Called Hope in Killingworth, CT. She is SO BUSY, and I hated to ask her to take him, but that is what we decided was best. So Karl and I took him over, and it’s good that we did because while he lay on the ground, flies laid eggs on his abrasions. We found out through this experience that this is called “Fly Strike” and unless treated both topically and systemically, it is sure to be fatal. We also learned that the flies only lay their eggs on the babies who are on the ground, and not when they’re in the nest.
After he was healthy, eating well, and even playing in a wading pool, we discovered another roadblock. Despite the efforts of the volunteers to find an appropriate foster nest for the bird, who was named “Baby Fisher” by the folks at A Place Called Hope, it was discovered that CT nests are about three or four weeks ahead of FI nests! Who knew! So Mr. Dewey said, “Well, why don’t you just bring him back out here?” Of course, I thought that was a great idea, and Christine was on board as well. Karl and I hopped the next ferry and went to pick him up. Craig Schultz and his son Dylan were happy to bring their lift to get Baby Fisher back up into his nest. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so scared in my life. Karl has longer arms than I, so up he went, holding Baby Fisher with Craig holding his belt as Dylan skillfully operated the lift and maneuvered them into position. The lift had to stop before the platform, or the other baby might become frightened and jump ship, so when they got to the appropriate height, Karl reached up and plopped Baby Fisher back where he belonged. Mr. Dewey graciously allowed us to come up daily to make sure that he was accepted back into the nest, which happily he was.
Sixteen days passed, and he began stretching his wings with his sibling, often whacking each other on the head with their very long, clumsy wings, and eventually took his first flight. I wonder what stories the parents told when they migrated back to their winter home (Brazil?). “Yeah, there were two, and then there was one, and then three weeks later there were two again 🤔”
We wish to sincerely thank the following people who participated in this great rescue and all those who’ve been instrumental in the health of the osprey population on Fishers:
Chris and Nancy Dewey; Jose Rios, landscaper extraordinaire; Tiggy; Diane Dexter (for her generosity in allowing us to bring these critters home); Christine Cummings, A Place Called Hope, Killingworth, CT; Craig Schultz and Dylan, an amazing lift operator!; Henry and Charlotte McCance for their continued support of us and allowing us to take from our job to go rescue one of God’s critters; Mr. & Mrs. Ken Edwards for all of the very valuable information support that they provide to the Island wildlife enthusiasts; all of the many people who’ve been so involved in the osprey population, counting eggs, setting up the osprey cam, and tracking them all the way to Brazil and back. And last but certainly not least, our God who makes us available for these kinds of amazing, wonderful experiences.
Till next month, keep your eyes peeled, be safe, and enjoy the spring! — Lisa Eiriksson
Baby Fisher is back in the nest with siblings and testing their wings July 2025
Video c/o Church on the Rock
We share these resources related to animal stewardship on Fishers.
For marine animals like turtles or seals that are stranded or in distress, please contact the Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Program at 860-572-5955 x 107.” The articles below have info on what to do and who to contact.
