Discarded fishing line snares unexpected visitor
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Discarded fishing line can be clearly seen wrapped around the Frigatebird.
(Tim White)
It's a real giant of the sky - and it's made an unexpected visit to Bermuda, only to be snared in fishing line.
The Magnificent Frigatebird - with a wingspan of seven feet, was probably blown to Bermuda by Tropical Storm Debbie, according to Audubon Society President Andrew Dobson and was first spotted on the Island on June 29 by Audubon member Alison Copeland in Hamilton Harbour .
"With a seven-feet wingspan it is one of the largest birds to grace our skies. It is not recorded annually so it is a good sighting for those lucky enough to spot it.
"This species feeds mainly on fish, and also attacks other seabirds to force them to disgorge their meals. Frigatebirds never land on water, and always take their food items in flight.
"Rather alarmingly, a photo taken by Audubon member Tim White today at Coney Island shows that the Frigatebird is entangled in discarded fishing line.
"This may seriously affect the survival of this bird. The Audubon Society appeals to the local public to ensure that unwanted fishing line is properly disposed and not left in the water."
For more information on the bird go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frigatebird
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Published Jul 4, 2012 at 12:00 pm (Updated Jul 4, 2012 at 12:12 pm)