A Tale of Two Eagles

The leaves are turning, the weather is changing, and the wildlife of Pennsylvania is beginning to prepare for the long winter ahead.  Your support throughout the season has helped to save thousands of lives.  You are much appreciated! This is a tale of two eagles – just for you.

On a breezy evening in May, an adult bald eagle was spotted laying face down in a field near a quiet country road in Solebury.  Local police were on the scene quickly and the nearly unresponsive bird was handed off to a kind citizen who transported him to the Aark.  He was nearly dead.  Soon after arrival he was whisked off to the veterinary clinic for evaluation, radiographs, and bloodwork.  Sure enough, he was dying from lead poisoning.  Sadly, this is a common situation with large birds of prey as they often feed upon fish and discarded hunting victims containing lead sinkers or shot.  But that is not where this story ends. Within 48 hours our Solebury Eagle was up on his feet and self-feeding.  Chelation therapy is essential for treating victims of lead poisoning.  The first 5 days of treatment went well, and he regained his strength.  At 8 pounds and a wingspan of about 6 feet, he was quite a formidable patient.  His attitude remained positive, although he clearly hated treatment. After five days of daily injections, he was moved to a flight pen to rest for another five days.  He received another round of treatment and was soon ready to go home to his family.  On June 9th, just a few days before Father’s Day, he was reunited with his mate.  That very day, their baby fledged the nest and was waiting for him on a branch nearby.  His mate was there too and after a few minutes of “yelling” she accepted him back into the family as if he was never gone.  This beautiful family is still spotted flying around Solebury.

Just a few short months later, another eagle was brought to the clinic.  This time from Bensalem.  The poor bird had been hit by a car, was disorientated and bloody.  Her left foot was swollen, and her wing badly injured.  Despite her ravaged body, she had ATTITUDE.  She was immediately taken to the vet for radiographs and bloodwork.  The vet suspected she was in the road because of lead poisoning, then was struck by a car.  We’ve been down this road before.  Just like the Solebury eagle, she began her treatment.  Weighing in at 12 pounds, this big, beautiful female was hard to handle and not particularly fond of us doing so.  Luckily, after her first round of treatment, her lead test came back negative. Chelation was discontinued and the focus became solely on her recovery from her other injuries.  She is healing fine.  In researching the bands on her legs, we discovered that she is 18 years old and originally from New Jersey.  The typical life span of a wild bald eagle is 15-20 years.  This is one old lady; we call her Edith.  Hopefully, she will return to the wild soon, but we are in no hurry.  At her age, she can just take her sweet old time.

 The Solebury eagle soared to freedom after three short weeks.  Edith remains until she is fully healed and ready to fly free again.  Thank you for all the ways you assist with our mission, from the careful rescue of an animal in need to the donations that keep the Aark afloat.  Your donation today will ensure that the Aark continues to be here for Edith and others like her.

Leah Stallings

Executive Director