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This year-old bald eagle that was trapped in a tar-like substance in the King George County landfill was treated for several weeks in Waynesboro and returned to the wild yesterday.
Ed Clark of the Wildlife Center of Virginia readies a rehabilitated bald eagle for release while his brother, Joel, stands by to help yesterday. |
By RUSTY DENNEN
Next to a grove of pines in Caledon Natural Area, six bald eagles scattered as Ed Clark's Toyota pickup pulled up yesterday afternoon.
The resident eagles at the King George County nature preserve along the Potomac River were about to have company.
Clark, president of the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro, opened the back window of his truck--license plate 4D BIRDS--to reach a large cage containing a year-old bald eagle.
The mottled brown and white bird of prey was being released back into the wild after an unfortunate accident earlier this month, followed by several weeks of medical care and rehabilitation in Waynesboro.
Clark reached into the cage with thick, elbow-length gray gloves, gingerly pulling out the bird.
On a count of three, Clark released the eagle, which flew toward some other airborne eagles, then landed in a tree on the edge of a grove of hardwoods.
When it came in for treatment, "That was about as ratty a bird as we've seen," Clark said.
It was found at the King George Landfill on April 13, with asphalt caked to its feet and abdomen.
Jeff Cooper, a non-game biologist with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, caught the bird and brought it to the wildlife center where Clark said veterinarians worked for hours to remove the sticky, black coating. Vets tried Goo Gone and several commercial solvents before settling on vegetable oil, detergent and lots of elbow grease. Some feathers along the bird's breast were removed, leaving a temporary coating of fuzz before they grow back.
Landfills attract lots of animals, including eagles, which are known to scrounge for a snack.
"He was probably scavenging," Clark said, getting stuck after eating something toxic. It's not clear how the bird wound up in asphalt.
A blood test showed "there were very strong indicators of pesticide poisoning" in its system, Clark said.
The bird was given fluids, pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. After a few days it was moved to a small, outdoor pen, then a larger exercise pen.
Clark said the center's medical staff decided yesterday that the bird should be released as soon as possible.
Caledon was chosen because it's near where the eagle probably lives.
"His stress level was high and he wasn't doing well" in the enclosure, Clark said. Even though he was still missing some tail feathers, "it was decided that his chances of survival were better if he was released," Clark said.
The odds are against him. One in three bald eagles makes it to adulthood. Eagles get their characteristic white head and tail features at age 4 or 5.
So far this year, the wildlife center has treated 15 eagles, a record. The birds have rebounded in Virginia, and with more birds, more are being injured.
A fully grown adult can grow to more than 15 pounds, with an 8-foot wingspan.
Caledon's new eagle will probably fit right in. The natural area off State Route 218 typically has 25 to 45 eagles on the 2,579-acre preserve, which includes 3.5 miles along the river, says Nina Cox, the park manager.
Most visitors go there to see the majestic birds. Perhaps the new resident will be perched on one of the tall trees when they stop by.
Rusty Dennen: 540/374-5431
Email: rdennen@freelancestar.com
| The Wildlife Center of Virginia cares for about 2,500 wild animals each year, from turtles to eagles.
Since its founding in 1982, it has treated more than 50,000 wild animals, including about 200 species of native birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. ONLINE: Wildlife Center of Virginia, wildlife center.org |
Caledon Natural Area offers eagle tours Saturdays and Sundays from June 13 through Sept. 6. Reservations are required; the cost For more details, call 804/ 663-3861. : Caledon Natural Area, dcr. virginia.gov/state_parks/cal.shtml |
