Wednesday, March 09, 2005

The mew is mine!


I've written about One Wing before many times, but here's this to bring you up to date without going back through all the archives.One Wing has been with Bird TLC since the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. He lost a wing due to amputation, which is no longer allowed by law. He was oil covered and he beat his wing on the beach trying to take off. He was used for blood transfusions to help save many other eagles during that time. It's a miracle that he survived. He's one tough bird and everyone has a lot of respect for him, including myself.

I went in his mew last week to help Luz, a Bird TLC volunteer. Old Witch (not in picture), has been with him a long time. She was leary of my presence and wouldn't come from behind a tree stump. Though I talk to One Wing quite often, he didn't appreciate my visit that day because I was making Old Witch uncomfortable. He was letting me know very verbally and also by his actions. Needless to say I didn't stay long.

I hope he gets over it by summer time. His mew needs to be re-graveled, some roof repairs and a good pressure wash. We'll have some quality time.

2 comments:

vlad259 said...

Wow! I never thought he'd still be around after all this time. I've read a bit about him on your blog and in the blurb for the 'One Wing' book. How great to know that he's still with you.

The only time I've seen Bald Eagles in the flesh is at a wildlife park in Hampshire, UK. It's been a while, but the ones they have there look tiny compared to yours. I was startled to see that you've got a juvenile in that weighs five kilos!

Keep up the good work, my fingers are crossed for Lead Bottom and his companions.

Dave Dorsey said...

Hey Matt,

One Wing has been around for a long time. He's too stuborn. He loves the salmon he gets to eat.

That one juvenile is huge. An eater also.

Lead bottom was standing on perch yesterday. He's slowing coming around. We need to get some movement in his left wing still.