On Monday of this past week, which was President's Day in the U.S., in the town of Bridgeton in the state of Delaware, a very unusual visitor was found in the middle of town. The police chief, Mark Ott, reported that a local resident had called i n to report a mottled brown baby eagle was flopping on the sidewalk around 8:30 that morning. It was a very unusual sight since there weren't any known eagle' nests nearby.
Because it was a holiday, the local animal control officer was off and not available to respond to the call. So Carol Kirshenbaum, of Quack’s Corner animal refuge, responded quickly to the scene. She works closely with the state's licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator who is based nearby. Kirshenbaum said the bird was most definitely an adolescent bald eagle. Bald eagles only get their distinctive white heads when they are about 5 years old.
Although the eagle was only a youngster he stood almost to her waist as she is only 5 ft. tall. Getting him into a pet carrier next was not going to be any easy task. After using a towel and a fish net with the assistance of the police chief, they managed to gently put the eagle into the pet carrier, but only after carefully removing his foot from the carrier door. Hours later, Carol Kirshenbaum was still in awe of the eagle's tremendous power.
The baby eagle was then taken to the wildlife rehabilitator where he was exrayed for fractures. He did not have any fractures and no major injuries were found either. It is believed that the bird may have suffered an electrical injury by flying into a high-tension wire. Once he appears to have recovered he will then be released back into his home environment because eagles tend to keep strict territories.
Carol Kirshenbaum stressed how important it was for the public to keep wildlife rehabilitators like herself in mind when they spot a wounded or distressed animal. The public should contact the state's Department of Fish and Game, which maintains a list of all such rehabilitators in the state. The baby eagle was temporarily named Roosevelt because he was found on President's Day, but soon he will be free again to soar across the sky thanks to all those who came to his rescue.
Because it was a holiday, the local animal control officer was off and not available to respond to the call. So Carol Kirshenbaum, of Quack’s Corner animal refuge, responded quickly to the scene. She works closely with the state's licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator who is based nearby. Kirshenbaum said the bird was most definitely an adolescent bald eagle. Bald eagles only get their distinctive white heads when they are about 5 years old.
Although the eagle was only a youngster he stood almost to her waist as she is only 5 ft. tall. Getting him into a pet carrier next was not going to be any easy task. After using a towel and a fish net with the assistance of the police chief, they managed to gently put the eagle into the pet carrier, but only after carefully removing his foot from the carrier door. Hours later, Carol Kirshenbaum was still in awe of the eagle's tremendous power.
The baby eagle was then taken to the wildlife rehabilitator where he was exrayed for fractures. He did not have any fractures and no major injuries were found either. It is believed that the bird may have suffered an electrical injury by flying into a high-tension wire. Once he appears to have recovered he will then be released back into his home environment because eagles tend to keep strict territories.
Carol Kirshenbaum stressed how important it was for the public to keep wildlife rehabilitators like herself in mind when they spot a wounded or distressed animal. The public should contact the state's Department of Fish and Game, which maintains a list of all such rehabilitators in the state. The baby eagle was temporarily named Roosevelt because he was found on President's Day, but soon he will be free again to soar across the sky thanks to all those who came to his rescue.
Staff Photo by Cindy HepnerThe injured eaglet glared menacingly at all who tried to help it.
awwww cute eagle *hugs eagle*
Where exactly did this happen, Delaware or New Jersey, as there is no such place as Bridgeton, Delaware.
What a sweet little guy! He's destined for great things.
Fly like an Eagle buddy!
he brings a big smile to my face! what a sweetie! so cute. blessings to the rescuers :)
It's so sad these magnificent birds are coming closer and closer to humanity, or dare I say humanity is encroaching onto their territory. Please think before we proliferate, too many people. Sorry but it's the truth.
Big hugs and THANK YOUS to all involved in this rescue, including to the person who took the time to call it in for help. And, especially to Carol Kirshenbaum... an angel on earth for all the animals, etc. that need a little temporary help to get them back on their feet (or wings, in this case).