LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The rare yellow-billed loon spotted at the Bellagio fountains was captured and released in a “more suitable location,” according to wildlife officials.
According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Wildlife Conservation Education Supervisor Doug Nielsen told FOX5 that the loon was captured and released Wednesday morning around 9:30 a.m.
He adds that the bird is in an undisclosed, remote location where it has “space, food and quiet surroundings.”
The Bellagio also confirmed to FOX5 that fountain shows have resumed following the bird’s relocation.
The bird’s initial landing in the fountain sparked concern among local bird experts, as the species is known to breed in the Arctic.
Kurt Buzard with the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve told FOX5 Tuesday that the bird appears to be young, and could have been blown off course during its season migration. He says the usual migration pathway for yellow-billed loons takes them along the coast, where the fish they eat live.
“Once it landed here, I think that it was probably confused and a little frightened, and it just stayed out in the middle there, hoping to sort of figure it out,” he predicted.
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