TYPE OF BIRD: Adult bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).
WHEN RESCUED: March 23.
WHAT HAPPENED: The Juneau Raptor Center was paged about an adult bald eagle in the ditch near the valley overpass on Mendenhall Loop Road. Upon arrival, volunteers found the bird to be sopping wet and extremely stressed.
INJURIES: This first quick exam revealed a plump bird and no obvious physical issues.
CARE: Prior to conducting a full exam, the bird was placed in a kennel with paper to help absorb the water; a heat lamp was also used to help the bird dry off and keep it warm. It was given fluids via tube feeding and also administered subcutaneous fluids over several days. The bird’s left foot could only partially open and the bird used his wings for balance.
UPDATE: As of April 1, the bird’s talons could flatten. Full body x-rays revealed no broken bones. It was decided the bird would benefit from physical therapy and this has started. He is also eating on his own.
RELEASE: No release is planned at this time.
MORE ABOUT BALD EAGLES: Fish are a mainstay in the diet of these eagles. They prefer various species, all of which are taken along the coast, in rivers or as available. Bald eagles will also eat waterfowl, small mammals, sea urchins, clams, crabs and carrion.
• For more on the recovery of this bald eagle and other rescued go online to juneauraptorcenter.org.
To report an injured bird, call the
message phone at 586-8393.
