HOUSTON — Residents along Brays Bayou are worried about a bird that has found itself in a precarious situation.
The blue heron has trash stuck on its beak, preventing it from eating.
Usually, walkers and bikers enjoy the sunset and the animals along the bayou, but it's the bird that now has their attention along Brays Bayou under Greenbriar Drive. They're hoping someone can help save the bird.
Sarah Lyons is one of many people who have seen the bird.
"Blue heron got the big red net around the beak," she said.
Melissa Aldrich said she has also been keeping tabs on the bird.
"The bird is resilient because we have seen him nine days drinking water, flying and walking along and he is getting weaker as time goes on," Aldrich said.
Some of the concerned residents have even tried to help the bird.
"I was hoping he let me get near enough but he is just strong enough he can fly to the other side," Lyons said.
They've called local animal organizations, the game warden and even the zoo, but have had no luck.
"They can't do anything about it until it's weak enough to fly off," Dena Prasher said.
A bird expert said situations like this happen frequently.
"It's not uncommon for them to accidentally get wrapped up, tangled with litter," Audubon Texas Director of Conservation Richard Gibbons said.
He said it can be dangerous for humans to try to help because the bird's beak can pierce the skin. He advised people to not try to catch it themselves.
In the meantime, the residents said they will continue to monitor the bird as it fights to survive.