Dramatic Footage of Bald Eagle Rescue on Cowichan River, B.C.
Here is a real life adventure that took place on the Cowichan River the other day. Two amazing fishing guides saw a wounded bald eagle flopping around and off they went to see what they could do.
"During today’s drift down the Cowichan river we came across an injured Bald Eagle on the beach.
Guide Peter Dick managed to capture it and we called Pacific Northwest Raptors to come and meet us at the bottom of the river.
The Eagle was totally calm while being held and transported, which surprised all of us. We named the Eagle ‘Cowi’ and we plan on visiting him over the next couple of days to see how he’s doing.
His wing seemed to be broken, and who knows how long he has been on that beach.
We are just glad that there are people like the Pacific Northwest Raptors that care enough to help wounded animals like this beautiful Bald Eagle. I hope “Cowi” heals up and can be released into the wild once again."
VIDEO
wonderful - awk awk ..did you hear her. She said thanks bud.
what a wonderful thing to do... thank you!!
God Bless these folks!
Thank God Some other people are Animals Lovers too!!! God Bless you all for Saving The Eagle!! :))))))
Very amazing thanks for your kind hearts. Just simply blessed.
I don't understand why he was put down either. It breaks my heart watching his struggle, watching him being chased. How much more damage was done to the bird by the chase? I realize we don't always know what to do in some situations but ---------------
They did call Raptors and there was obviously much more damage than could be fixed. How can you comment negatively about something which you know nothing about? Should they have left the eagle there to die a long slow death? They did what they could in that moment and did their best, which is all any of us can do.
Although I am extremely saddened by this beautiful bird being put down...a life in a cage is too cruel for a large bird not born into captivity. They did the right thing.
Very commendale! And right in time! This makes me proud, and very happy!b
God Bless these men for doing the Right Thing! They have huge hearts! It is a shame the Eagle did not make it, but at least they stopped to help him!
He could have spent his life at a sanctuary for wild birds rather than be put down. There are beautiful sanctuaries for birds around the country. No I do not think that death was the best or wisest choice for the Eagle and only a fool would believe that it was. It wanted to live and had a strong spirit as you can see in the video. It may have ran faster had it known it was going to it's demise!
Angels come in disguises. Thank you so much Rambling Fisherman putting your lives in danger to help an injured bald eagle. God Bless all of you.
The reason he was so easy to capture is that he was beyond help. I do raptor rehab and believe me, if he had the potential to recover, he would have fought like hell, in spite of his injuries. Sounds to me like everyone involved did everything they could. Those ignorant in the care and rehab of raptors should get an education before judging and freaking out all over the people who dare to care and put themselves on the line more than the armchair critics ever do!!
I agree with Wings of Light. I have been a raptor rehabilitator since 1991. The people that have commented negatively do not realize the laws involved in permitting a bird of prey for a sanctuary, or wildlife program. They also do not know of the extent of this bird's injuries. If injuries were extensive, or amputation needed to occur above the elbow the Feds would not have given permission to keep the bird in any program (at least in the US). The reason the bird was calm is because it was "down." No bird of prey is going to be calm when picked up straight from the wild. Their sense of instinct is going to tell them to fight or die. When a bird is picked up in the wild and is calm, as a rehabber you know you have problems. For folks to immediately think they know and offer a judgement on these people that tried to help this bird is just plain wrong. Please consider the facts before judging those in which you have not walked a while in their moccasins...
I have rescued a number of large and small birds, and volunteered at a bird rescue. A couple of years ago I "rescued" a turkey vulture on the side of a road in the evening. I thought she was dead, but then I saw her move. I called wildlife rescue and they asked me to keep her in a box overnight, bring her in the next AM. When I found out they had euthanized her, I was furious; but they explained that a soaring bird with a broken wing could never live in the wild, and she was not savable. I understand, but wish they could have euthanized her right away rather than making her spend the night in a box. They were surprised that I would stop for a vulture; but I love all the raptors, and turkey vultures are so huge and magnificent and primeval.
The caring and effort of these people are not diminished by the fact that the eagle did not make it. No rescuer could have caught the bird any easier than these folks did, and I am grateful that their generous hearts share my world. Most people would be too afraid to approach such a fierce wild animal; even injured, a large raptor could do serious dmage to a human body. Thanks, guys...
i am so saddened by the bird's demise, but grateful to see that there are people who go above and beyond. namaste.
not so thrilled with those who just HAVE to critisize without any foundation in facts that they could not bother to check. but i'm getting used to it...
Why put him down? Could he not have lived another way? Kudos to those who went to the trouble of rescuing him
Raising Exotic Birds, I would really like to know how extensive were the birds injuries that it had to be put down In a sanctuary a bird could live out it's life even a breeding program down the line And the sanctuary does not put them in a small cage they are given a large enclosed area that they are able to live in and survive in according to their injuries and needs,Really hate that the eagle had to be put down.
Graet work.Wonderful human beings for saving the Eagle.
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Funny how many comments relate to this bird being saved and able to live it's life in the wild. Maybe we can all read more before we come to conclusions.
I'm no expert, but i do spend enough time outdoors to know that if you can capture a wild animal like that without it fighting back, It's probably not far from death. I have a lot of respect for all parties involved for doing what they could to save this bird. cudos.
I am saddened that "cowi" had to be put down, but caging a wild animal is a fate far worse than death. you can not honestly say "i would take care of him and he will feel loved while i hand-feed him blah blah blah blah" Birds dont feel love, and the stuff they feed supermarket fish would probably kill him slowly anyway.
maybe there is a better place and Cowi is riding therals and stalking rabbits and salmon right now. rest in peace buddy.
People keep talking about sanctuary but most places won't or can't take them. Here we have a rehab centre for injured animals and if they can't go, we can't keep them. Not licensed for that nor could we get one. They don't want any more ambassadors for the wild. Sorry to hear of Cowi demise but like it was mentioned, any bird that calm was on the way out. Another little unknown fact, if you find a bird that has been attacked by a cat [flesh punctured] you can call but be aware the bird will die. They all do, goes to show how much infection can come from Kitty's teeth.
Awesome and great job guys!! Thank you so much for not giving up!
Thank you!
You did an honorable thing my young men. May the creator protect you!
great job! Keep up the good work.
Shut up lol good grief
I bet the fish that these fisherman would be killing are reading this article and thinking "What the hell !".
wado for saving the wohali!!!
Thank you for being so awesome with your caring and dedicated rescue! The world needs more people like you! I can't wait to show this video to my five year old, who loves all creatures, but especially eagles!
That was amazing!!!You could see that the Eagle was just hanging out with him like a brother. Awesome!!!!! Thank you so much.