I realize not all of my devoted followers reside in Oregon, or in America for that matter. Still, I believe most all of us view bald eagles as mystical, magical–and oft-maligned. Let’s hope this was a wound of nature, not inflicted by a human; and that this majestic creature is soon healed and airborne.
“On April 09, 2011 at about 1:30 pm, Officer Steve Macartney was dispatched to an animal call at 2400 SE Stratus Avenue near space #12, McMinnville. Local residents had found an injured bald eagle in some nearby brush. Officer Macartney confirmed that the injured bird was a bald eagle. With assistance from Oregon State Police, the Audubon Societycame out and took the bald eagle for rehabilitation.According to Deb Sheaffer of the Audubon Society, the bald eagle appears to be a five to six year old female with an injured shoulder. The eagle is in stable condition at this time, but the prognosis for release is guarded. She is being treated with antibiotics and supportive care and will be evaluated day by day. She said that if the eagle recovers completely, it will be returned to the McMinnville area and will be released back into her territorial area.
Anyone with questions about the Audubon Society, their work, or this particular incident can call Deb Shaeffer at 503-292-6855 x125. They can also be contacted through www.audubonportland.org”
A FEW BALD EAGLE FACTS:
They mate for life; however if one dies, the survivor will accept another mate.
Their life expectancy is 15 to 20 years, but they can live as long as 30 years.
They are unique to North America. They are most concentrated in Alaska but are also found in Canada and every state in the United States except Hawaii.
They are no longer on the Endangered list, but they are still considered threatened because of poachers, habitat loss and injuries caused by man-made things, such as power lines.
This is so sad to hear, and as you say, let’s hope the injury wasn’t inflicted by humans.
They are such a majestic bird and so beautiful to watch soaring in the sky. I hope she recovers enough to be set free again and perhaps re-join her mate.
My curious mind now wonders — is there something akin to an Endangered Species list in your country? If so, what kind of birds, animals are included? Thanks
We have quite a few bald eagles in southeastern Saskatchewan. Last year for my birthday, my husband took me to a restaurant about an hour’s drive from our house. On the way back, he took me through country roads sided by fields and stands of trees.
At one point he stopped the car and pointed, and there floating and swooping through the air was one of those regal birds…first time I had seen a bald eagle “in person.” It was tremendously exciting.
I’m glad the one in the article was reported and rescued. If it allowed people to pick it up like that, I bet it will let them take care of it and heal.
Very interesting facts, Janet. I knew they mated for life, but didn’t know they were in every state except Hawaii.
I just recently saw a bald eagle “in-person” for the first time as well. It was the icing on the cake for a perfect day: I was taking my first on-the-beach ride on Callie with two horse-loving women friends when I saw it flying toward us. At first I thought it was a large seagull (teehee). When I realized what it was, I pulled up short, clued in my comrades, and waited. The eagle landed in a tree right alongside the trail and perched at the very top. I swear he/she was posing just for us to take photos. What a thrill. I’m so sglad you had that experience, too. By the way, a few years back, my husband and son saw their first eagle on a brief sojourn to Canada: I, however, had gone inside the hotel for something, and missed it!