Bald Eagle #17-2469

Admission Date: 
September 27, 2017
Release Date: 
November 21, 2017
Location of Rescue: 
Poquoson, Virginia
Cause of Admission / Condition: 
Suspect hit by vehicle
Patient Status: 
Patient Archive
Released

On September 26, a mature male Bald Eagle was found in a backyard in Poquoson, Virginia. Permitted wildlife rehabilitator Tommy White was able to capture the bird and provided initial treatment before he transported the eagle to the Wildlife Center the following day.

The eagle was bright and alert upon admission. Dr. Alexa, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, examined the eagle and found that the bird had injuries to both eyes -- the vitreous of each eye was inflamed. Dr. Alexa also found multiple abrasions on the bird’s right leg, feet, keel, and underside of both wings. It’s likely that this eagle was hit by a vehicle.

 

Dr. Alexa cleaned the eagle’s wounds and gave the bird fluids and anti-inflammatories. The bird will continue to receive supportive care during the next week, and the veterinary team will re-examine the eagle’s eyes. The eagle’s prognosis will depend on the extent of the eye injuries; while none of the eagle’s injuries are life-threatening, the Bald Eagle will need to have vision in both eyes to be able to be released.

Your donation helps to provide for the specialized care for this Bald Eagle, as well as the 2,500 animals that are admitted to the Center annually.

Updates

November 16, 2017

Bald Eagle #17-2469 has been flying very well during the past two weeks in flight pen A3. On November 16, the veterinary team drew blood for a pre-release analysis; results were within normal limits.

The eagle will be released at York River State Park on Tuesday, November 21 at 11:00 a.m. The release is free and open to the public; those planning on attending should RSVP to rsvp@wildlifecenter.org.  Attendees should plan to meet at the Park Visitor Center for the release.

November 14, 2017

The two Bald Eagles in flight pen A3 continue with their daily exercise; eagle #17-1993 has been struggling with lift and stamina during exercise sessions and is only flying between 5-10 passes each time. Bald Eagle #17-2469 is flying well and is flying at least 15 passes during each session. 

October 30, 2017

The two Bald Eagles in flight pen A3 have been exercising regularly during the past couple of weeks; both birds are getting along and eating well. Wildlife rehabilitator Brie reports that eagle #17-1993 generally has poor lift and stamina; the bird is exercising about five to 10 passes during each session.

An additional eye examination on Bald Eagle #17-2469 confirmed that bird’s eye injuries should not affect the bird’s vision; the team decided to increase the eagle’s daily exercise regimen to five to 10 passes.

October 18, 2017

On October 17, Bald Eagle #17-2469 was moved to flight pen A3, where Bald Eagle #17-1993 is also currently housed. The eagle is able to fly to the perches in the large flight space, though a formal daily exercise plan has not yet been started.

The eagle will need additional eye examinations during the next couple of months. The eagle can be identified by his "stripe"-patterned protective wing bumpers. 

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