A golden eagle was found on a road in central Prince Edward Island, a rare sighting in the Maritimes. The bird was grounded and appeared to be sick or exhausted, unable to fly. Candy Gallant of P.E.I. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. received a call and helped rescue the eagle. The bird was eventually taken to Hope for Wildlife in Seaforth, N.S. for examination. It was found to be healthy, and it is believed that the eagle may have been tired from flying or needed time to recover.
After being taken to Hope for Wildlife, the golden eagle was placed in a flight cage with a bald eagle for company. Golden eagles are fierce predators known for catching live prey, including rabbits, hares, and prairie dogs. They are similar in size to bald eagles, with a wingspan of up to two meters. The golden eagle breed in western North America and may migrate great distances in the winter, occasionally venturing into the eastern parts of North America. The golden eagle at Hope for Wildlife is believed to be a wandering migrant from Western Canada.
Hope Swinimer, founder of Hope for Wildlife, is waiting for optimal weather conditions to release the golden eagle back into the wild. If the weather does not cooperate, the centre will care for the bird throughout the winter. The golden eagle has recovered well during its time at the facility and is ready to continue its journey. Swinimer is excited to have had the opportunity to care for and observe such a magnificent bird. The centre has seen an increase in rescues in the past year, with volunteers dedicated to rehabilitating injured wildlife and releasing them back into the wild.
The rescue and recovery process for the golden eagle involved the efforts of several individuals, including Gallant, the passerby who found the bird, and the Humane Society officer who helped capture it. The community on Prince Edward Island came together to ensure the safety and well-being of the eagle until it could be properly cared for. The experience of rescuing and caring for the golden eagle has been a rewarding one for all involved, highlighting the importance of wildlife rehabilitation efforts and the need to protect and preserve natural habitats for all species.
The golden eagle’s presence in the Maritimes serves as a reminder of the diverse wildlife that can be found in Canada, even in unexpected locations. These majestic birds are a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The successful recovery and imminent release of the golden eagle back into the wild is a testament to the dedication and expertise of wildlife rehabilitation organizations like Hope for Wildlife. The story of the golden eagle’s journey serves as an inspiration for conservation efforts and the importance of respecting and protecting all species that share our planet.
