Editor’s Note: The Injured black skimmer is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
A black skimmer (Rynchops niger) is recovering at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) after being found entangled in fishing line in Fort Myers. Upon admission, CROW’s veterinary team found a fishhook embedded in the skimmer’s right wing, with fishing line tangled in its feathers and wrapped around its right leg. Fortunately, the line had not caused other significant injuries. After administering a local anesthetic, the team carefully clipped the barb,d removed the hook and line, and cleaned and treated the wound. Radiographs confirmed there were no fractures or other ingested hooks.
Patient 26-4524 is healing well, and CROW’s hospital team continues to clean the wound and monitor for signs of infection. Once the wound has healed, the skimmer will move to an outdoor flight enclosure to regain strength while the team evaluates its flight ability and stamina.
When ready for release, the team will return the skimmer to the area where it was rescued. With striking black-and-white plumage and a bill unlike that of any other North American bird, black skimmers are easy to recognize. Their lower bill extends beyond the upper bill because of a specialized adaptation that lets them catch fish while flying.
Skimmers glide low over the water with their lower bill slicing through the surface. When the bill contacts a fish, they snap it shut to capture their meal. These coastal birds frequent Florida’s beaches, sandbars, and estuaries and often nest in colonies on sandy shorelines. Keeping these habitats clean and giving nesting birds plenty of space helps protect both adults and their chicks.
Left-behind fishing line and tackle can have devastating consequences for wildlife. Birds, sea turtles, and other animals may become entangled or swallow hooks, causing wounds, restricting movement, and sometimes leading to death.
CROW encourages beachgoers to clean up discarded fishing tackle and dispose of them in designated recycling bins. A quick cleanup can prevent a life-threatening injury. Learn more about protecting coastal wildlife through CROW and SCCF’s collaborative Mind Your Line program.
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