Posted On: August 17, 2023

A reddish egret will be returned to the wild when the Marine Science Center’s (MSC) seabird rehabilitation facility releases it at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, at the Lighthouse Point Park dog beach, 5000 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet.

Marine Science Center volunteer Salyna Dvorovy brought the bird to the facility on July 3 after finding it entangled in fishing line on the beach in Daytona Beach. Staff treated it for injuries to both wings.

Reddish egrets were once hunted so their plumes could be used to decorate hats. Although their population has increased following legal protections, they remain one of the rarest species of egret in North America and are designated as threatened in Florida.

Since opening in 2004 on June 8, 2002, the Marine Science Center has treated more than 19,000 birds, many of which have been released.

The Marine Science Center is open to the public at 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Monday. Visitors may view the turtle hospital and stroll along the bird boardwalk, which houses recovering birds and permanent residents. For more information, visit www.marinesciencecenter.com or call 386-304-5545.