ISLAND EAGLE: An injured eagle was noticed at a beach on Savary Island. She had been in at least two fights and was having trouble moving.
Two local rescuers were called. With difficulties, they managed to wrap her in a blanket and put her in a big box where she spent the night.
Catching the water taxi to Lund the next morning, more volunteers brought her to Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society, where she was transferred to a kennel and prepared for a flight to Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWLS) in Delta.
PROWLS president Merrilee Prior noticed the eagle’s head was severely cocked, perhaps indicating she had hit the ground hard. Trying to eat a piece of salmon, her beak made a sound like sandpaper, indicating more damage.
Once at OWLS she was identified by her leg band, which had been placed on her in Campbell River in 2006 when she was two years old.
Besides being emaciated, initial testing showed she had neither influenza nor lead poisoning. Having a brood patch indicated she had recently had eaglets.
Subsequent testing was positive for avian influenza, and she was unusual: she survived! Two weeks after intake, she was still struggling, but OWL was continuing to care for her in isolation, looking to learn from her responses to treatments and hoping against hope to return her to her home.
Mature bald eagles mate for life and have strong family ties. However, if one dies or disappears, a new partner may be chosen. Failed breeding attempts may also prompt the choosing of a new mate.
