Life History of Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center’s Bald Eagle
Carpenter Nature Center’s Bald Eagle was obtained from The Grounded Eagle Foundation when it went out of business in 2009. CNC’s eagle was hit by a truck in Montana and spent two years at the foundation where he was known as “#61”. Experts estimated his hatch date as the spring of 2003 due to his coloration. He is “unreleaseable” due to feather follicle injuries in his right wing. When his feathers grow in, they are weak and break. This makes it impossible to fly.
The eagle’s journey to Minnesota was in a small private plane during a Montana snowstorm . The trip was donated by Gagnon, Inc. Upon arrival the eagle was immediately taken to The UMN Raptor Center for a full physical exam. The only unexpected finding was that he had minor lead poisoning which was then treated. Once the eagle adjusted to his new home at Carpenter Nature Center the Prairie Island Indian Community sent Winifred Red Cloud to bless him. The eagle is currently being trained to step on a scale, stand on a trainer’s glove and enter a travel crate. All his training is done with positive reinforcement.
Carpenter Nature Center’s Bald Eagle is a wonderful ambassador for his species, teaching thousands of visitors every year about our natural environment and the diversity of wildlife found in our region. CNC’s eagle will live a very comfortable life with humans, as he is provided with all the food he needs, stellar medical care, and safety from predators.
If you find an injured bird of prey, evaluate the situation to ensure your own safety and that of others. Contact the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center for further instructions. In our area, please contact The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. Intentionally keeping a wild bird of prey without appropriate permits is against the law.
