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Eaglet Rescued During Native American Festival at Perry Point VA Medical Center

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Pictured is an eaglet that was rescued and returned to its natural habitat on the grounds of the Perry Point VA Medical Center.

June 11, 2008

“It is a humbling and spiritual experience to rescue an eagle, America’s national symbol,” says Rob Jenkins, the head singer and drummer for the Southern Heart Drummers of Lancaster, Pa.  While participating in the Native American Festival held at the Perry Point Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center on June 7th, Jenkins and some representatives of neighboring Native American tribal affiliations took a walk through the woods on the medical center’s campus in an attempt to capture a glimpse of the eagles that have nested in a large tree.

Jenkins said, “While approaching the area near the eagles’ nest, we discovered an eaglet on the ground.”  “The eaglet did not fly away as we approached and we thought that it may have injured a wing.”  Jenkins and his associates captured the eaglet and called the Delaware Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research Center who responded immediately. 

After a thorough examination by a veterinarian, the eaglet was found to be in good health with no broken wings.  Jenkins said, “It was determined that the eaglet may have just ventured out of its nest too soon and was not yet strong enough to fly off the ground.” 

According to Diane Korolog, wildlife rehabilitation volunteer with the rescue center, “An eaglet left on the ground becomes very vulnerable to attack by other predators.”  “To increase its chances of survival, it is so important to return the bird to its natural habitat.” 

With the assistance of Phung Luu, an experienced rescue center volunteer, the eaglet was hooded for safety, carried up a ladder secured against a tree close to the eagles’ nest, and placed on a platform above the ground where its call could be heard by its parents.  Luu selected a nearby tree in order to avoid undue disruption to the adult eagles and their nest containing another offspring.