Loon rescued on lake in fishing line accident

SMITHFIELD – A loon is recovering after being rescued from a fishing line that had wrapped tightly around its wing.

After spotting the injured bird early this month from her summer camp on North Pond in Smithfield, Linda Rice called upon BioDiversity Research Institute, a nonprofit organization in Gorham.

That night, Rice and four others searched the lake by boat and found the loon – unable to fly with the fishing line wrapped tightly around one wing and cutting into its body.

The loon had also swallowed a fishing hook and was close to swallowing a lead sinker, which could have been fatal.

The group released the bird after freeing it from the line and taking blood tests. Rice said the bird appears to be well on its way to good health.