Small bird of prey returned to nest by Ottawa firefighters
Posted Jul 15, 2025 01:00:24 PM.
Last Updated Jul 15, 2025 01:00:29 PM.
A small baby bird had fallen 30 feet from its nest in Orléans.
It happened July 14 around 8:16 a.m. Firefighters were requested to help by a provincially authorized wildlife rehabilitator near Esprit Drive in the city’s east end. The bird was a young merlin, a not endangered, bird of prey.
Crews from Station 53 arrived and were met by a specialist who only had a 20-foot ladder. Quickly, the team set up their aerial apparatus, used usually to fight flames from above.
By 8:54 a.m., firefighters were up in the air beside the large pine tree and safely returned the bird to the nest, joining its sibling. The two members who went up wore helmets because the bird specialist warned that mama bird could nose dive. No one was injured in the process.
The baby bird who had fallen was checked out prior to being returned home and had no injuries.
“We’d like to thank the concerned resident who made the initial call seeking help, and the licensed bird specialist from Safe Wings Ottawa,” Ottawa fire said.
