File:Red-throated loon in Red Hook (64290).jpg

I was initially excited to come across this loon unusually close to land. Then it climbed up on the rocks. Its legs are set so far back on its body that it was very awkward shoving itself forward on land, and it became clear something was amiss. After confirming that yes, a loon going up on the rocks is a sign of illness or injury, I briefly tried to devise a rescue before being dissuaded by people who know better. Apparently, beyond the danger of jumping down onto slippery rocks, when a loon feels threatened it starts stabbing with its beak and can be very dangerous. Thankfully, the more experienced people at Wild Bird Fund and PortSide New York were able to stage a rescue and bring it to WBF's center on the Upper West Side. It was discovered that fishing line had been wrapped around its wing causing minor injuries.