Life History of Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center’s Bald Eagle

Carpenter Nature Center’s Bald Eagle, Phoenix, was brought to The Raptor Center (TRC) at the University of Minnesota in December of 2008 from Hubbard County, Minnesota. Found on the side of the road near Kabekona Lake, he was less than a year old, very thin, exposed to lead, and unable to fly.

After being treated at TRC for internal trauma and fractures to his shoulder, it was determined that he could not be released due to a malformed joint that prevented proper extension of his right wing.   This joint issue prevents him from flying distances longer than a football field.  Not being capable of distance flight would make life in the wild very  difficult, so Phoenix served as an animal ambassador that TRC for 8 years before coming to Carpenter Nature Center in May of 2017.

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. Phoenix 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.