On May 12, two young eaglets were found down on the ground in Chincoteague, Virginia, on the Eastern Shore. A biologist from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries assessed the situation – the birds’ nest blew down after a storm, and was unable to be restored. The biologist estimated that the two eagles are about two weeks away from fledging. The eaglets were transported to a permitted rehabilitator for the night, and transported to the Wildlife Center by DGIF the following day.
Dr. Rich Sim, the Center’s veterinary fellow, examined the two young eagles after they arrived. No significant injuries were found on physical exam or radiographs, and no significant level of lead was found in their blood analysis. Bald Eagle #14-0649 weighed 4.16 kg; Bald Eaglet #14-0650 weighed 3.7 kg.
The eaglets were placed in the “tower” portion of the A3 flight pen. In the tower, the young eagles have a nest and several branches, as well as a view into the main flight area of the flight pen. They are able to see Bald Eagle patient #14-0380. As the eaglets grow and begin branching and flapping, the tower doors will be opened so that the two birds can fledge into the main flight area of the enclosure.
The birds will be fed a diet of chopped rats, mice, and fish.