Bird trapped on fishing line is rescued in Aquebogue

A cormorant was rescued Thursday after it got caught in fishing line that was hanging in a tree near Larry’s Lighthouse Marine in Aquebougue, authorities said.

A town police officer, animal control officer and Riverhead firefighters were dispatched to the scene and rescued the bird, which was brought to a local veterinarian where it is being cared for.

The double crested cormorant has increased in population across New York State in recent years, most likely due to a cleaner environment, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Reader Scott Haseldine sent in the above photo, which is of the cormarant as it was stuck in the line, about 9:30 a.m.