Bald Eagle rescued from a chimney (and 1st ride in a bucket)
At about 9:00 this morning, I rec’d a call about a Bald Eagle stuck on a chimney in south Minneapolis. The Raptor Center was concerned about us climbing on a roof, so we were asked to let the Fire Department or Animal Control take the call. Terry and I persisted and promised that we would only consult from the ground and would be available if the authorities needed us.
Upon arriving at Abbott and 38th St, we were informed by a Minneapolis Fire Marshall that he had a bucket truck in route from Fire Station 4 and that they would be willing to help us in the rescue.
After climbing in the bucket, Terry and I were hoisted above a 2-story house where we found a young first year Bald Eagle with his leg trapped between two chimney flues. While I held the bird still and the fireman used a pry-bar on the chimney cap, Terry was able to free the talons from the wire mesh covering the chimney.
Initial exams at the Raptor Center show that the bird had a large open wound and had broken his leg in 2 places. The eagle probably damaged his leg trying to free himself from the roof-top. X-rays also revealed that he has a fish hook in his gut.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
One never knows what will be at the end of the fire truck’s run. At least there is no parental irresponsibility in this one, just pure immaturity of the youngster. You are so lucky to get in on action such as this! ! ! I bet the firemen have a greater appreciation for eagles and Raptor Center and bird volunteers and and and. Great work!!!!!
AND AM I EVER JEALOUS ! ! ! ! !
August 11th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
This is a fascinating story, Ben, and your photos are great, as always! What is the prognosis, do you know? I have my fingers crossed for him!
August 12th, 2010 at 1:43 am
Way to go,TRC Team, and a big thanks to MFD! But I hope the little guy isn’t a preview of future eagle injuries; during recent chimney-swift scouting, I noticed lots of those double-flue arrangements with wire mesh cages.
Besides that, the Raptor Center patient load of eagles has climbed; we may soon be out of the eagle-size cages that hold them, not to mention that the rest of our clinic crew may have to resuscitate TERRY, if she has to hold another eagle during treatment!