A Crisis Averted At The Friends Of Island Beach Osprey Cam Nest

Plastic waste and wildlife don't mix.

Viewers of the Friends of Island Beach's live "osprey cam" were horrified Friday afternoon as they watched the female osprey repeatedly attempt to free herself from a Mylar balloon and plastic bag that had wrapped around her claws.

The bird struggled for more than an hour, repeatedly pecking at the plastics with her beak. Friends of Island Beach officials quickly contacted the Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Department and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey for help, but later cancelled the call when the bird managed to free herself.

"Oh what a happy morning that yesterday's "osprey drama" is past us," a FOIBSP official wrote on the group's Facebook page today.

"Yesterday's incident will be remembered as an educational moment, reminding us of the dangers of released balloons," the official wrote. "Our fine feathered friends face plenty of challenges in the wild, so let's work on removing balloons from that list. Thank you for your concern yesterday -- this page has evolved into a wonderful, caring community!"

The two birds arrived back at the nest in March. They've been been tidying up their nest about 40 feet up in the air near the park's Interpretive Center, in preparation for the eggs to be hatched soon.

Berkeley Patch plans to keep the "osprey cam" a running feature so visitors can watch as the eggs hatch and the chicks emerge.

The non-profit Friends group purchased the camera and the solar panels to power the camera for about $10,000 back in October to prepare for the spring return. The camera is equipped with night vision and runs 24 hours a day, said Rita Carey, who chairs the Friends' "Osprey Cam" committee.

"It takes a lot of focus and team work to monitor the camera and respond when needed, so please consider making a donation to FOIBSP," the Facebook page states. . Thank you for your continued support!"

There are about 30 osprey nests mounted throughout the park and the nearby Sedge Islands, Carey said.

You can watch the osprey cam streaming live on the Friends' website, here, and follow their progress as they prepare for and raise their chicks.

For more information on the Friends, visit their website, here.