I was out birding in the local down town park when I noticed this Common Loon behaving oddly. I snapped a few photos and did not realize what was wrong until I got the shots on the computer at home. The Loon was lethargic and allowing me to approach to close. It was obviously in distress.
The problem was a big fishing plug wedged sideways in the mouth with some of the leader wrapped around the bill. I contacted the Wildlife office today. They were aware of the issue, but I didn't get any answer what, if anything, they were going to do about it. I mentioned that a bird in distress and flopping around in the Park was not a good thing for children to witness. I will keep an eye out, and if I can catch it, I will, and get it to the vet. My canoe is not big enough stability wise to deal with a bird this size.
