What started as a day of fishing turned into an unexpected wildlife rescue for Chris Miles on June 3, 2024. While casting his line in Port Charlotte, Miles was taken aback by the sight of two ospreys, their talons locked in a fierce struggle, crashing into the water.

Miles paddled over to check on the birds. After managing to separate them, one osprey took off into the sky, but the other struggled to get airborne. Realizing the bird needed help, Miles had an impromptu idea: he allowed the osprey to climb onto the back of his kayak.

Miles told Newsflare: “I knew he needed some extra help, so I just let him hop on... It was a surreal moment. I’m just glad I could help him out.”

With the osprey perched on the kayak, Miles carefully paddled towards the nearest mangroves providing a safe spot for the exhausted bird to rest and recover.

I was out fishing when I saw to ospreys with their talons locked fall into the water. I went over to see if they were ok. After getting them separated one took off immediately but the other struggled to take off. He knew he needed help so he climbed on the back of my kayak and I gave him a ride to the closest mangroves.