On April 23, a mature Bald Eagle was found down on the ground in Northampton County, on the Eastern Shore. The eagle was captured by an officer with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries – the bird was not able to fly. After briefly visiting a veterinarian, the eagle was transferred to a permitted rehabilitator in Virginia Beach, before it was driven to the Wildlife Center on April 24 by a volunteer transporter.
Dr. Kristin Britton, the Center’s veterinary intern, examined the Bald Eagle when it arrived. The mature bird was alert but dehydrated; Dr. Kristin found bruising on the right side of the eagle’s face as well as on its left patagium [leading edge of the wing]. Radiographs revealed an old, well-aligned fracture of the eagle’s right major and minor metacarpal bones. The veterinary team administered fluids and began a course of anti-inflammatories before placing the bird in the Center’s holding room. The eagle is banded; Dr. Dave, the Center’s veterinary director, submitted information to the banding lab for details.
After the eagle receives additional fluids, the bird will likely be placed in a small outdoor enclosure for further observation.
