On May 9, a Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries biologist rescued this non-banded juvenile Bald Eagle at the Hog Island Wildlife Management Area in Surry County, Virginia. At present, few details are available about the circumstances of its rescue. It was admitted to the Wildlife Center on the afternoon of May 10, 2012.
Upon examination, the eagle presented as thin but not emaciated. Though it was standing on admission, when vets caught it up for a physical exam, the eagle was observed lying down in its cage and hanging its head. Though these symptoms can sometimes indicate lead poisoning, lead levels in patient #12-0744's blood were less than 0.033ppm -- lower than the Center's lead analyzer can read.
At first, Dr. Miranda Sadar thought she felt an abnormality in the eagle’s right shoulder, but an initial look at radiographs did not reveal any defects. The eagle is currently being treated like an emaciated bird, though it is possible that it is suffering from some kind of infection. Additional bloodwork will be taken on May 11; in the meantime, the eagle will be tube fed and gradually moved to whole food.
This eagle is currently being housed in the Center's holding area.