Here are 2 pictures of the leading edge of the left wing. You can see a chunk is missing. The chunk is about an inch across and narrowly missed some important bones. The rookie eagle handler Dr. Gardner is holding him. Her hat is on his head to protect her face.

This morning he was jumping from perch to perch using his wings for balance. This activity continued for a few minutes, like he was checking to see if things still worked. This is a major step forward in his recovery. While I am excited to see this I know we have a ways to go.

I am very much aware that this flight pen is not adequate for his flight conditioning. He is in this smaller to contain his activity and prevent further damage. As his wound closes up and he begins to show more interest in flying he will be magically transported during the night to a very large flight. He won't believe his eyes! 

This mature bald eagle arrived on Dec 26. He was found on Christmas eve on the county line between Jenkins and Emmanuel counties. He was triaged at Laurens Wildlife and transferred here for rehabilitation. Initial reports indicated a gun shot wound to the wing but x-rays show no metal fragments in the wound. He has big chunk of tissue missing on his left wing and cannot fly. Our goal is to get this healed up and get him back out in the wild within the next 2weeks. His mate was in the area searching for him when he was picked up by the biologist.

Eagles mate for life and are very loyal to each other. In the wild they will begin building nest or refurbishing nest in January.

Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson for taking time out of their holiday season to drive thia guy all the way from Dublin to Zebulon.

Here at the end of the year please remember us for your tax exempt donations. You can donate on line or mail your checks to PO Box 103 Zebulon, Ga. 30295. All checks must be dated no later than Dec. 21 for tax credit in 2013.

Thanks for your attention.