Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Great release of both Golden Eagles


For information and many photo's go to our Facebook page.
These birds were not related but were both fledglings from last year.  They both had failure to thrive issues and one of the eagles has also been hit by a car.  This is where the highway patrol officer came into the story.  Rarely does anything get struck by a vehicle and not sustain trauma that requires surgery, but luckily, this bird was one of those rare stories.
One male and one female, they grew stronger and learned to hunt together.  Hopefully, regardless of what the reporter said in the story, we hope they stay in that area and stay together as  a pair.  They are no where near breeding age, so if they stay together, it will be many years before nesting would happen.
They came in within a few days of each other and required almost the same exact plan of care.


Yrma Van Der Steenstraeten releasing one of the Golden eagles at Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab, Utah
                                                                 
Connie handing off the other Golden eagle to Highway Patrol Officer Brian Evans


                                                                                 



We care for approximately 20 Golden eagles, once in a while a Bald is part of those numbers, every year.  Sadly, the numbers grow every year.  From secondary lead poisonings, vehicle strikes, gunshots and West Nile virus, they just keep coming and coming.

 There are also the occasional jaw trap cases as well.  All of this work as state and federal permitted wildlife rehabilitators is accomplished through donations.  Wildlife does not belong to anyone so their are no 'owners' to pay the bills.  Sadly, the public also believes that the wildlife agencies in their state or federal wildlife agency helps pay for this or pays for it entirely.  This is not the case, not for any wildlife rehabilitator, regardless of the state.  This is difficult yet very rewarding work.  We also care for many other birds, including other species of raptors and some mammals as well.
We appreciate all the support we have and to those who contribute once reading this, which how could you not after seeing what we do and clearly, the need for it.



http://www.ksl.com/?sid=29002887&nid=148&title=2-rehabilitated-golden-eagles-released-into-wild

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Upcoming release

We will be releasing two Golden eagles this Sunday, March 9th, 2014 in Grand County, Utah at the Dead Horse Point State Park.  We will be meeting at the visitors center there at 1PM and then doing the release at the Point, a short distance away.  The public is invited to attend and bring cameras.  These birds are not related but came in last year, both just newly fledged.  Both were suffering from failure to thrive issues, being dehydrated and emaciated.  The bird that came from Grand County had also been struck by a car while near the highway.  They have both kill tested successfully and are now ready to be released.  We should have a pretty good turn out as the weather is suppose to be beautiful that day.  Come celebrate with us!
One of the goldens to be released this Sunday.


Feathered brothers and sisters, you came to us broken and as you bled…….we saw you desperate, dehydrated, desiccated, diseased, distressed, emaciated, famished, frayed, frightened, helpless, hungry, ragged, ravenous, shaken, shocked, shot, sickly, stressed, stunned, tattered, thirsty, traumatized, torn, weary and wounded. Defiantly, you stood us off with your last breath as we tried to tend to you. We saw you come in as cute, naked, fuzzy, cuddly youth, as mischievous, defiant adolescents, as fierce, regal rulers of the sky and as cunning, maimed elders whose time on earth was almost done. You endeared yourselves to us, bit us, charmed us, footed us, delighted us, hissed at us, talked to us, mantled at us, and graced us with your presence.

Some of you mended and were able to go on your way, never looking back. Some of you were injured in ways that prevented you from going, so you stayed with us to teach us…….And we came to love you. Others were too far gone, and you went home - where you fly free from pain with the Great One. All of you have touched us, and we are changed because of you.

used with permission by Arlene Powers


Get a playlist! Standalone player Get Ringtones