On May 12, a juvenile Bald Eagle was found down on the ground in Sandbridge, Virginia Beach. The bird was unable fly and was easily captured. It was transported to a local emergency clinic before it was referred to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. A volunteer transporter drove the bird to the Wildlife Center on May 14.
Dr. Rich Sim, the Center’s veterinary fellow, examined the eagle shortly after it arrived. Dr. Rich found the one-year-old bird to be thin and dehydrated; blood work revealed a mildly low level of protein, likely due to poor nutrition. The eagle also has an old, healing retinal scar in its left eye, though this should not affect vision. No fractures were noted on radiographs.
The eagle was given fluids, anti-inflammatories, and was placed in the Center’s holding room. The Wildlife Center staff will offer supportive care and cage rest for several days before assessing the eagle’s ability to fly.