Salmon Arm resident Ed Parent rescuing an injured osprey on Shuswap Lake.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Natalie Parent

It was a beautiful blue sky day when Natalie Parent and her husband Ed set out on Shuswap Lake on their pontoon boat last weekend, July 23, but they were in for a surprise.

The Salmon Arm residents noticed a bald eagle flapping around in the water and after observing it for some time grew concerned the big bird was drowning so pulled the boat up closer. 

“We got closer and finally the eagle was able to take off,” Natalie said.

That’s when they noticed a wounded osprey struggling to swim in the water.

“We think the birds were fighting, the osprey was in bad shape and at one point started to swim toward the boat.”

Ed grabbed a pool noodle and towel and swam out to the bird, and brought him back to the boat.

An osprey on Salmon Arm residents Natalie and Ed Parent's boat.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Natalie Parent

“He (the osprey) didn’t fight, he was in really bad shape,” Natalie said. “We pulled him out and put him into a dry towel. We were hoping he was just really wet and would fly off but realized he was quite wounded.”

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She said the bird was at least forty pounds and had gashes under one of its wings.

Natalie volunteers with Shuswap Paws and Rescue Society, a small rescue group helping dogs and cats. She called them for advice on where to take the bird but said she didn't think the society could rescue a large bird of prey. The society got in touch with two other volunteers who met the Parents’ at a wharf, carrying a big cage and protective gloves.

“He (the bird) still wasn’t fighting, probably in shock, and we were worried because he was so lethargic.”

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The osprey was transported for care at the BC Wildlife Centre. Natalie said the bird is doing well and when it recovers will be brought back to the Shuswap to be released.

Natalie and Ed Parent are the owners of Ed’s World of Critters & Supplies pet store in Salmon Arm.

An injured osprey rescued by Shuswap Paws Rescue Society.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Natalie Parent

An osprey seen struggling in the water on Shuswap Lake.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Natalie Parent

Salmon Arm resident Ed Parent bringing an injured osprey to safety.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Natalie Parent

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