Bald and Beautiful

This blog post is reproduced with kind permission of Carson and Martha Bauer, who brought a Bald Eagle into our wildlife hospital over the winter.  This blog was first published here on 19 March, 2010, just before World Eagle Day.

"Sunday, March 21st was World Eagle Day. This special day really hit home for us this year. On a snowy January day we found a wounded Bald Eagle-one of his talons was deeply severed. Lovingly named “Feathers” by our daughters, he was in great need of medical attention. In St. Louis we are lucky to have the wonderfulWorld Bird Sanctuary, whose mission is to secure the future of threatened bird species in their natural environments. Staffed by 25 professionals and many dedicated volunteers, they took great care of Feathers during his rehabilitation. Everyday we looked forward to the updates of Feathers’ progress and were reassured that he was receiving the best support possible. Unfortunately, gangrene set in and even with all of the top of the line help he received, Feathers wasn’t strong enough for the fight. After five days of hospitalization, we got the dreaded phone call, and then and there our daughters learned a life lesson.

Interestingly, Feathers’ remains were sent to a Native American tribe to use in tribal ceremonies. There are lots of adjectives to describe a bald eagle but none more fitting than majestic. Watch our video of Feathers, and you’ll see for yourself.

"Be sure to visit the World Bird Sanctuary on the third Sunday of March each year and help celebrate eagles from around the world. There will be fun, educational activities for the whole family."