Wildcare Eastern Sierra loses a patient
front room. Wildcare staff members led Hal, holding the bird, into the Medical Care room. Once there, they placed the bird into a large hospital cage to rest. Staff and Hal all agreed that it was a female golden eagle. They guessed that a large vehicle speeding along the shoulder past the eagle frightened it up and over the barbed wire.
Both golden and bald eagles are found in the Owens Valley, and some farther both north and south. Golden eagles have dark brown bodies, a lighter golden-brown neck, and white markings on wings and tail. They have a smaller, black beak and feathers to the tops of the feet. Females are larger than males. Bald eagle adults have dark brown body, white head, neck and tail; large yellow beak; feathers stop a few inches above the feet. Colors change as fledglings mature.
The female Golden Eagle rescued eastward off the highway by Hal was examined the next morning.
Several wounds were found in groin and wing areas. She was driven to Ojai Raptor Center by a Wildcare volunteer. Over the next few days, exams and X-rays were taken by Ojai staff and veterinarian. She was treated and moved outside to a small flight cage.
After a couple more days, she was not flying and X-rays were repeated. This time hidden severe nerve damage was found in the upper right wing.
Ojai’s director and veterinarian determined that the wound could not be fixed. Sadly, the beautiful female golden eagle was euthanized.
Wildcare knew that this female golden eagle resided not far from a nesting area where she lived with her mate, and where the couple had raised a number of young during the past few years.
Her mate had been injured several years earlier and Wildcare was able to heal the male and reunited him with the female. This time, the injured female could not be saved. Wildcare is heart-broken at the loss.
(Living with Wildlife is a program of Wildcare Eastern Sierra dedicated to helping the people of the Eastern Sierra live in harmony with our wild neighbors. For further information, contact Wildcare Eastern Sierra at (760) 872-1487.)