Rare Egret rescued, rehabilitated, and ready for release.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Marine Science Center's seabird rehabilitation facility is ready to return a reddish egret that had been under their care to the wild at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the scenic Lighthouse Point Park dog beach, located at 5000 S. Atlantic Avenue in Ponce Inlet. The inspiring journey of this reddish egret began when dedicated Marine Science Center volunteer, Salyna Dvorovy, discovered the bird entangled in a fishing line on the shores of Daytona Beach on July 3 and immediately brought the bird to the facility to be treated by the center's expert staff.

Reddish egrets, once perilously hunted for their feathers to adorn fashionable hats, have seen a resurgence in their numbers, thanks to legal protections. However, despite this progress, they are among the rarest egret species in North America and are designated as a threatened species in Florida.

The Marine Science Center, a bastion of wildlife rehabilitation, has played a significant role in safeguarding avian species. Since its establishment on June 8, 2002, and opening in 2004, the center has nurtured and treated over 19,000 birds, and many of these rehabilitated birds were released back into their natural habitats. Located at 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet, the Marine Science Center welcomes the public to witness its noble work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day - except Monday, visitors can explore the center, including the acclaimed turtle hospital. Additionally, the bird boardwalk provides a unique vantage point to observe recovering birds and permanent residents.

For further information on this remarkable rehabilitation endeavor and the Marine Science Center's broader initiatives, interested individuals are encouraged to visit their website at www.marinesciencecenter.com or contact the center directly at 386-304-5545.