Bald Eagle

(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Arrived at Lakeside Nature Center on January 28, 2006.

This eagle was found in Nodaway County by an agent from the Missouri Department of Conservation and brought to a veterinary clinic in St. Joseph, Missouri.  When it arrived at Lakeside, full medical examination revealed that a portion of the right wing, just below the wrist was missing.  Without the 'finger bones' and attached primary or flight feathers, he would never be able to fly.  The US Fish and Wildlife Service granted permission to keep him in captivity. 

Bald eagles are social and our two birds accepted each other almost immediately.  Because the bird is small, he is assumed to be male.  He was found with a band on his right leg and has been banded and tracked since June of 2002.

For more information on bald eagles, check out the Critter Corner entry.