Talon-locked bald eagles treated at Nova Scotia's Hope for Wildlife
At Hope for Wildlife, a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Seaforth, N.S., a major emphasis of the overall mission is providing care for injured animals and birds.
“From song birds to sea birds to birds of prey,” said director Hope Swinimer. “We get all kinds of mammals and anything you can think of.”
That includes bald eagles.
In January, Swinimer received a call from the South Shore area of Nova Scotia. Two bald eagles had been discovered on the ground.
“Their talons were locked onto each other, which does happen and we are aware that that happens,” said Swinimer.
“At first thought, we thought maybe they were doing their courtship routine.”
Upon closer examination, it was discovered they were two females.
“It was probably some form of dispute, perhaps over food,” said Swinimer.
One of the eagles was fairly healthy and was released within five days.
“The other had to stay because she had a badly fractured wing,” said Swinimer.
The eagle was operated on by the veterinary team at the animal hospital onsite.
“Looking at the X-ray, you can see it is kind of right in the middle of the bone,” said Tessa Jackson, who is with the medical team at Hope for Wildlife. “The break was mid-shaft, so it makes pinning nicer as the post can be placed closer to the joints.”
The best-case scenario is a full recovery within eight weeks.
“And then she’ll be outside for a bit regaining that muscle she’s lost,” said Jackson.
That will be followed by a period of exercise within a flight cage.
“We will be able to release her from there,” said Swinimer.
January was the busiest month ever for birds of prey at Hope for Wildlife, with 35 patients.
The facility will hold a “Hope Raffle” to help purchase expensive bird food – food that will be eaten by the recuperating bald eagle.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts global outcry
An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
North Korea appears to have fired a missile into the sea, Japan and South Korea say
Japan says North Korea has launched a missile into the sea and has alerted residents on Okinawa island to seek shelter.
U of T protesters don't plan to pack up, will hold rally at eviction deadline
Pro-Palestinian protesters who have been camped out at the University of Toronto for weeks say they have no plans to honour the terms of a trespass notice issued by the school and clear the demonstration site by 8 a.m. today.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.