Post by Sam on Mar 20, 2014 2:14:34 GMT -5
Wendy Perrone of Three Rivers Avian Center invited me to the facility to visit the injured bald eagle. She also said that they could use a little help. Her husband Ron had cut the pad of his left thumb pretty bad a couple days ago. Had to go to emergency room and get 8 stitches. When I got to TRAC Ron and Wendy were starting to bathe the injured eagle. I was amazed at the way they had been able to gentle the bird in only a few hours. The eagle was NOT sedated. It was attentive to every movement in the room, but pretty calm. The eagle was not restrained in any way. I was immediately allowed to replace Ron at the sink. He laid 'Streaky' gently in my arms and I could feel her heart beat. So fast. But I spoke gently to her and she calmed quickly. Wendy resumed bathing and cleansing bird with warm water and mild detergent. Injuries to the head were apparent. I couldn't see the legs but when a vet examined her thoroughly on Tuesday night there are some injuries to the legs as well.
Bath over, Wendy took Streak into a big soft towel and gently dried her. Again, I was amazed at how the eagle responded to Wendy. Once (mostly) dry, it was time to medicate and feed Streak. Ron took her from Wendy and Wendy prepared the meds. They were liquid, all put together in a large syringe with a 'feeder' tube and I thought that things were about to get exciting. The eagle did put up minimal resistance, but Wendy put her thumb inside it's beak, far back (it's soft there) and expertly inserted the feeder tube in Streak's throat and SQUIRT! it was all over. The wild American Bald Eagle again was easily managed.
Now came lunch. Wendy cut up and weighed out, I think 8 ounces of swordfish and chicken liver. The eagle didn't hesitate one second. Wendy fed her the chunks with forceps and she ate greedily. I was glad to see her eat. She is 3 pounds or so under weight. Once all the patient care was over the eagle was place in a cozy cage with clean bedding and left to rest. She is unable to stand at this point, but Wendy and Ron hope that she can recover ... again.
The gentle, professional care Ron and Wendy are taking of this unfortunate creature is touching. The compassion with which they treat every bird interned at TRAC is just incredible. That they would allow me to participate just blew me away. After lunch, which Wendy prepared, I stayed and she and Ron let me help around the pens and flight barn a bit. I enjoyed every single minute and learned so much from them. The day was not over for me, however. There were two tiny, tiny screech owls whose rehabilitation was up. They were actually a couple days over their date to be released but with all that's been going on with the eagles, there just had not been time available. Wendy got a HUGE plastic yard rake and I got to transport boxes and we went into the pens and caught each of the little boogers. It was wonderful working with them and being careful not to hurt them. Once safely boxes in the transport boxes Wendy asked, "Sam, would you like to release these at your place at Brooks?". I was speechless.
Late Tuesday evening, I opened the boxes and let them out into pop's old pony barn up on the hill. They both flew immediately right over my head and hid in a huge, huge black pine just on the other side of the building. It's a good place. Thick boughs and a good canopy. I'll be listening for their call at night now when I'm at Brooks.
Folks ... it was quite a day.
Bath over, Wendy took Streak into a big soft towel and gently dried her. Again, I was amazed at how the eagle responded to Wendy. Once (mostly) dry, it was time to medicate and feed Streak. Ron took her from Wendy and Wendy prepared the meds. They were liquid, all put together in a large syringe with a 'feeder' tube and I thought that things were about to get exciting. The eagle did put up minimal resistance, but Wendy put her thumb inside it's beak, far back (it's soft there) and expertly inserted the feeder tube in Streak's throat and SQUIRT! it was all over. The wild American Bald Eagle again was easily managed.
Now came lunch. Wendy cut up and weighed out, I think 8 ounces of swordfish and chicken liver. The eagle didn't hesitate one second. Wendy fed her the chunks with forceps and she ate greedily. I was glad to see her eat. She is 3 pounds or so under weight. Once all the patient care was over the eagle was place in a cozy cage with clean bedding and left to rest. She is unable to stand at this point, but Wendy and Ron hope that she can recover ... again.
The gentle, professional care Ron and Wendy are taking of this unfortunate creature is touching. The compassion with which they treat every bird interned at TRAC is just incredible. That they would allow me to participate just blew me away. After lunch, which Wendy prepared, I stayed and she and Ron let me help around the pens and flight barn a bit. I enjoyed every single minute and learned so much from them. The day was not over for me, however. There were two tiny, tiny screech owls whose rehabilitation was up. They were actually a couple days over their date to be released but with all that's been going on with the eagles, there just had not been time available. Wendy got a HUGE plastic yard rake and I got to transport boxes and we went into the pens and caught each of the little boogers. It was wonderful working with them and being careful not to hurt them. Once safely boxes in the transport boxes Wendy asked, "Sam, would you like to release these at your place at Brooks?". I was speechless.
Late Tuesday evening, I opened the boxes and let them out into pop's old pony barn up on the hill. They both flew immediately right over my head and hid in a huge, huge black pine just on the other side of the building. It's a good place. Thick boughs and a good canopy. I'll be listening for their call at night now when I'm at Brooks.
Folks ... it was quite a day.