On Sunday, February 22nd, 2015, several of my neighbors and I had the distinct honor and privilege of witnessing Master Falconer John A. Karger of the Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey Conservancy, release a rehabilitated Bald Eagle on the property north of the Lake Athens dam. Our neighbors and LAPOA members, Tom and Anne Potthoff, who own the property, were kind enough to invite us to attend the big event. This article will be short on words, but I hope the photos and videos will more than make up for that. Click on any photo to open a larger version in a new tab.
Veterinarian Dr. Melissa Hill unloading the Eagle
(Click here for a QuickTime video of the Eagle being unloaded)
When asked if the Eagle was male or female, Mr. Karger referred to it as a ‘marginal’ bird. He explained that a mature female is larger than the male and that her hallux talon (the one at the back of the foot that faces front) is longer than the male’s. They estimated that this Eagle is between three and four years old, and said that an Eagle is not fully matured until they are five years old. Since it is not a fully mature bird, they can not be certain as to its gender; therefore, they use the term ‘marginal’.
John Karger removing the tape from the tail as Dr. Melissa Hill holds the Eagle.
The bird’s tail is taped with a splint-like covering because it could be damaged severely enough during transport to impact its ability to fly. Mr. Karger hooded the bird and explained that the hood design has not changed since the time of King Henry VIII.
(Click here for a QuickTime video of Mr. Karger hooding the Eagle and removing the tape from the tail)
Nearly ready for release
One very interesting tidbit from the Last Chance Forever folks was that the bumps and ridges on the Eagle’s talons are as unique as a human’s fingerprints. Here are a couple of close photos of the Eagle’s talons.
Close-up of the Eagle’s Talons
Mr. Karger’s passion for his work with these birds was apparent, as was his love of educating people about them.
Mr. Karger the educator
Here are some QuickTime videos of the eagle being released.
(View #1)
(View #2)
(View #3)
Coming to the end of an AMAZING experience!
(Click here for a video of the Eagle finally flying away, free)
I want to say again a tremendous “THANK YOU!” to Tom and Anne Potthoff for inviting us to witness this memorable event, and to all of the folks at the Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey Conservancy for their tireless work. They rely on donations to fund their work, so please consider visiting the Donations Page on their website and helping them continue. I also want to thank Tom, Mark and Roy for sharing their video clips with all of us.
See you on the lake…Dorian