Bald Eagle Intake/Release

By: Karen McElmurry,
Executive Director, CFW

This juvenile bald eagle arrived at the Center for Wildlife on September 26^th 2005. The young eagle had been discovered on August 19th struggling in a mudflat and was rescued and transported by a Maine game warden to Acadia Wildlife Foundation. Since the eagle was covered in mud, she had to be washed before having a complete exam. Acadia’s greatest concern was that the eagle was dramatically underweight at just over 5 pounds (average weight is 8-10 pounds). Once the bird began eating on her own, she needed a large outside enclosure to practice flying. Acadia’s director, Ann Rivers, called CFW and arranged to have one of our staff pick the eagle up and bring it back to the Center, where she was placed in our 100’ flight enclosure. It took the bird a couple of days before she was able to get up to one of the higher perches, but each day she got a little stronger. After several weeks, she could fly across the enclosure with ease and finally achieved a healthy weight -- at 10lbs. 5 oz!

The birds release was coordinated with US Fish & Wildlife and Biodiversity Research Institute. The bird was banded and feather samples were taken for mercury testing. Her release at Merry Meeting Bay in Dresden in November went very well and she has had several weeks to interact with other eagles and prepare for winter migration.

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The Center tries to give much needed care but still allow the animals to be wild, with the intention of letting them go when they are ready to care for themselves. Too much "love" can result in a baby animal imprinting on the humans caring for it and that makes it difficult to release. If you find an animal that seems to be in need, keep an eye on it for while before you decide to take it in. Sometimes, Mom is right around the corner and will retrieve a baby in a short while. If you do decide to intervene, call the Center and get instructions on how to properly handle the animal or call the Animal Control officer in your town.