Common Loon, a water bird, saved from Frozen Mystic River by ARL

Common Loon was seen trapped in ice on Mystic River in Medford/Arlington on Jan 4th, 2014.    The temperature was so low that week that the lake and rivers were frozen. Loons can't fly without a running start on the water. Their feet are located so far aft that they really can't deal with land (or ice). In addition to the loon being trapped on ice, it was also injured with a cut to the neck. A few very caring members of the Arlington Bird club called Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston. On that cold and frigid day, two Animal Rescue League vehicles and employees came out to help the poor Loon. They successfully rescued the bird and delivered it to the Tufts Wildlife Clinic at Grafton. The injured bird was unable to feed on its own when it was brought to the clinic. It had to be forced fed and could not be let to swim in a diving pool because of the large tear on the neck. The good vets at Tufts clinic performed surgery on Jan 7th to close up the neck wound. It is healing well and is now able to eat live fish from a bowl on its own and even swimming in the diving pool. However, it is still getting supportive care, but it is making great progress.

If ARL and Tufts clinic had not acted the loon may not have made it. These organizations are run by volunteers and can do with any help you can afford. Please consider donating as you think appropriate to both the Animal Rescue League and the Tufts Wildlife Clinic at Grafton.