By Tim Cherry
Staff writer
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Directorate of Public Works Environmental Resources Department specialists rescued an injured Bald Eagle near Tompkins Basin Park July 12.
John Pilcicki, DPW Natural Resource specialist, caught the eagle by throwing a blanket over the bird during the night rescue attempt.
DPW specialists transported the bird, whose injuries included a chronic fractured power talon and a bone infection, to the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia, and later to the Wild Life Center of Virginia for treatment.
Unfortunately, the Wildlife Center had to euthanize the Eagle after determining its injuries were too significant for the bird to survive. Pilcicki and K ent Knowles, Raptor Conservancy of Virginia president, said it’s impossible to determine the exact cause of the injuries.
“The only good you can do, in this case, is to give it some peace,” Knowles said.
Pilcicki and Knowles are glad to have given the Bald Eagle a chance for survival.
Residents originally spotted the bird at Long Parade Field July 11. Specialists chased the eagle around post for two days, with the help of community members who reported any sighting of the animal.
The chase included stops at Belvoir Road, Jadwin Loop, the basin and other areas on post. Pilcicki captured the animal, after several attempts, the evening of July 12.
Dr. David McRuer, Wildlife Veterinarian with Wildlife Center of Virginia. director of veterinarian services, said the eagle’s condition was poor. The bird lacked muscle on its breast which made flying very strenuous. Dirt and debris on its wings indicated the bird hadn’t preened its wings for several weeks, which hampered its ability to fly in the rain. The bird’s weak condition was an indication of starvation.
McRuer said these problems likely derived from a fractured power talon the bird suffered at least three weeks ago. The power talon, which is the main perching and killing toe, was damaged beyond recovery.
Pilcicki explained the eagle needs to perch in elevated areas, especially during the night, for visibility. To compensate, the bird perched on the ground at night making it susceptible to attacks from foxes, owls and other predators.
The fracture led to the development of Osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection, from the toe up to the foot.
It was a very painful condition, McRuer said.
All factors considered, McRuer said the Wildlife Center euthanized the bird to end its suffering. The National Eagle Repository in Denver, Colo., will receive the remains and likely allow Native Americans to use the eagles feathers for religious purposes, according to Pilcicki.
Pilcicki said hes spotted 81 Bald Eagles and one Golden Eagle on post in one count this year. This is the second Bald Eagle Pilcickis rescued on Fort Belvoir, with the first also dying from its wounds.
The Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle are federally protected species, which prohibits anyone, without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior, from taking Bald Eagles, including their parts, nests, or eggs.
Pilcicki provided residents who assisted in the rescue with educational information on the Bald Eagle. The specialist taught residents such as Ryan Meece, eighth grade homeschooler, how to recognize the eagles chirping and appearance. Meece, who hopes to pursue a career as an environmentalist, called the information interesting and a beneficial learning experience.
It was just really fun to walk alongside someone who works for Fort Belvoir to rescue and help the wildlife, Meece said Pilcicki urges residents to not approach nor touch injured Eagles or other wildlife on post. Instead contact the Fort Belvoir Police at (703) 806-3104 if you see an injured animal.
