Call me Hal

Today is a very sad day for me and I know for quite a few others also. This morning (Sunday) I got a call from Guy Runco, Executive Director of Bird TLC, telling me that Hal had passed away. I was in such shock I didn’t know how to respond. I spent the rest of the day vegging in front of the TV and eating all the junk food in the house. This has hit many of us hard.

How do you talk about an eagle that was special? He even made me feel special. He could no longer take care of himself in the wild due to no fault of his own. But, he was independent. He knew what he liked and told you what he didn’t like. He still captured magpies that strayed into his mew.

Hal was hatched in the Russian Harbor area of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge during the blackest days of recent Alaska History. The Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef on March 24, 1989 spilling 10.8 million gallons of Alaska crude oil into Prince William Sound creating the most devastating human-caused environmental disaster.

Hal was found on August 20, 1989 on the beech of Russian Harbor. He was thought to be about four months old. He had light oil on his breast and tail. He was picked up by the cleanup crew and processed through the Seward Bird Rescue Center. He was transferred to Bird TLC soon after. X-rays showed a fractured left wing at the shoulder which was non-repairable. After two months he began training to become Bird TLC’s first education eagle.

Hal has had 6 presenters over the years and has lived at 2 caretakers homes. He also spent some time living at the old clinic on Nielson Way and the current one on King Street.

He has traveled all over Alaska doing education presentations for Bird TLC. With me, he has traveled to Seward, Fox Island, Soldotna, Sterling, Telketna, Tok, Wrangell – St Elias NP, Copper Center, Kodiak NWR and many other places. We’ve stayed in hotels, private homes, wilderness lodges and he has camped in my RV. Hal was a well-traveled eagle.

We did presentations at Boy Scout Eagle Award Ceremonies for the scouts that had done so much for Bird TLC. We also did military retirement ceremonies for those that defended our freedom.

Hal was cared for at Guy Runco’s home. Besides myself, he was also presented by Patricia Garcia and Terri Johnson. In years past he was presented by Heather Merewood, Cindy Palmatier and Kerry Seifort. We all loved Hal, and so did the rest of Bird TLC.

Hal did education presentation for thousands of people. . He enjoyed being in front of an audience. I’d talk about him, other eagles and what’s really cool about them and about Bird TLC. We would do a presentation at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge and people would line up for an hour afterwards to have their picture taken with him. Hal always had the look “Come admire me. I’ll give you my regal eagle pose”.  As Chris Maack says “He was our ed icon”.

I was the fortunate one who got to do his last presentation at the Bird TLC event of the year “For the Birds”. It was most appropriate that he would get out one last time and show off his stuff. And that he did. He was amazing! He was getting compliment after compliment on how handsome, how regal and how majestic he was. He even called out one time during the event which was not his nature. He knew it was him people wanted to see and he gave them what they wanted. As Elise Patkotak said “Maybe this was the way he wanted to go... still in full possession of his powers and after having thrilled a roomful of people with his presence.”

Nothing impedes his free flight to the heavens now. Thanks for the memories. I’m sure going to miss you my feathered friend. I’ll never look at another eagle without thinking of you. Say “Hi” to Dr. Scott, One Wing and Ol’ Witch.



BE13-10

BE13-10. Let me explain what that means. BE is an abbreviation for bald eagle, 13 is the year it came into Bird TLC's clinic and 10 means the 10th bald eagle so far that year.

BE13-10 was sent to Bird TLC from USF&W Biologist Robin Corcoran in Kodiak NWR on Feb. 17, 2013. He was found in the water. She called me and asked that I'd pick him up at the airport. I did and brought him back to the clinic and bedded him down for the night. He would be examined the next day.

There were no real significant findings during his exam. He was thin, a little beat up, but nothing to keep him from being released soon or so we thought. A few weeks later he was sent to the flight center to build up his strength to be released.

At the flight center, things were a little different. After a few days we would have expected some type of flight. He was a good hopper and a skipper, but no flight. He was even having troubles getting on the perches. Nothing like what we expected. He was kenneled up and returned to the clinic to have another exam.

At his exam, he was found to not have a full range of motion in his left shoulder and also possible spinal damage. There was nothing we could do for him. He was returned to the flight center with the hopes this would work itself out in time.

Time goes by and there's not any improvement and BE13-10 is labeled as not flighted and not releasable. I know, because I wrote it on his chart. He is still being observed but no changes really. He's put on the list for placement, but placement of an adult bald eagle that's not flighted isn't good. Fortunately for him, business had been slow, so there is plenty of room out at the flight center.

About a year ago, I stopped volunteering at the flight center. BE13-10 was still not flight and his future was very uncertain. A few months ago I'm hearing that BE13-10 is flighted, not good but flighted. A few weeks ago I started hearing that his flight is improving and there's a hope of him becoming releasable.

Today I returned to the flight center for the first time in a long while to help with a cleanup and do some repairs. I checked in on BE13-10. He is flighted and looking really good. He's acting like a mature bald eagle and was even preening while I was in his cell.

What a great feeling after 3 1/2 years to see this guy doing so well. If all continues with him improving, he's going to be released back to the wild in Haines, Alaska for the American Bald Eagle Festival on Nov 19.

Gone with the Wing

It's coming soon!

Scarlet & Hal go to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

A beautiful day at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Scarlet & Hal had their own ride while the rest of had a short hike back to the presentation area.

 We had a very nice crowd from China and an awesome background. It was a very hot day and there were some forest fires burning about 15 miles away.

 It was a little challenging having to use interpreters, since Patricia and I don't speak Mandarin But it went well..

The young kids are the ones most excited and they spoke fair English.

For the Birds Live & Still Auction

Tomorrow he big day. For more info or to buy tickets, go to www.birdtlc.net.

Common Murre die-off has died down after 40K carcasses found this winter

Common Murre die-off has died down after 40K carcasses found this winter: For now, a crisis has been averted for the massive seabird die-off that concerned scientists this winter, according to officials with Anchorage's Bird Training and Learning Center.

Welcome Amy

We're happy to announce that Thursday’s Lead Clinic Volunteer, Amy Kilshaw, has accepted the Avian Rehabilitation Coordinator position and will begin working at Bird TLC on March 9th. Amy brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that will serve Bird TLC well. Please give her a warm welcome when you see her in the office.

 

More Common Murres than we've ever seen

On the average, Bird TLC would only get a couple common murres a year. So far in 2016 they've taken in over 225. Most of these seabirds are being sent to TLC from interior Alaska. Some as far north as Fairbanks. They are starving and looking for food.

 If their weight is low, they are tube feed a special slurry to help fatten them up again. Some feedings are three times a day.

Their waterproofing is checked. If it's poor, they are bathed.

 They are monitored for progress. And once there are determined to be releasable, they are sent back to sea. We have no idea if we're making much of an impact. We hope we are making a difference. There are hundreds dead on the beaches of Whittier, Seward and other coastal towns across the northwest.

 These birds are stacked in the lobby of Bird TLC await release later in the day.

Volunteers are constructing a water tank with a landing for the murres. It'll be used for other seabirds also later on.

 

This has been a large task for Bird TLC and its dedicated volunteers. It has made a strain on the finances because of the large operation this is. So far, over 350 birds have been admitted. Sorry I don't have a release total for you at this time.

 

If you can help out as a volunteer, call the Bird TLC office at 907-351-4968 M- F 9 - 5. Don't be surprised if you have to leave a message and it mike take a little for your call to be returned. The staff is a little overwhelmed. Fell free to stop by 7800 King Street, not for a tour or information though.

 

If you would like to help financially, go to our website at www.birdtlc.net and select from any of the donation buttons there.

 

If you're an Alaskan, please consider picking the Bird Treatment and Learning Center for Pick, Click & Give when you file for you PFD.

 

Your help is appreciated!

 

Here are some of the news links

 

http://www.frontiersman.com/news/seabirds-mysteriously-flocking-to-mat-su/article_708f5aa0-a5e1-11e5-b48e-2bb37f69ba73.html

 

http://www.ktva.com/stranded-seabirds-pose-challenge-for-wildlife-workers-330/

 

http://www.ktva.com/thousands-of-dead-seabirds-wash-up-in-whittier-888/

Bald Eagle BE14-63 released

BE 14-63 was released Friday afternoon at the Bird TLC property in South Anchorage. She had come to TLC last November from Dutch Harbor for not thriving, though we don't know why. After months of care and rehabilitation, she is taking good care of herself and flying great. The release went so well, she played in the thermals above the release area before flying off.

Hal the Bald Eagle gets new gear

The gear that our birds wear and our Education Handlers use is borrowed from the falconry world. Falconry has been around for centuries and some of the gear is the same now as back when. Well, Hal's caretaker / presenters decided it was time for him to update his gear.

Hal has worn what is called traditional jesses for about 25 years. When they wear, tear or dry out, he would get a new pair.

 They were pretty large and made of thick leather. They did their job but were not as presentable as newer anklets or aylimeri's. They don't look that comfortable for Hal also.

 So Wednesday, Hal had to have an annual exam and what better time to knock everything out. Above on his left foot you can see the new Alymeri attached, but still needs to be trimmed.

 Here Lisa is  checking the right one for fit.

 And while we were there he got his talons trimmed.

Here you see in a photo of Hal from last year, the thick leather traditional jesses.

 

I had to leave before they were done with Hal. I'll get an updated photo of him and his new bling. I did take him on a presentation last night, and he seemed much happier with the new gear and so was I.

 

If you want to know more about falconry equipment, check out The Modern Apprentice. Lydia Ash does an in depth website for falconry and its equipment.



Dr Oakley, Yukon Vet visits Bird TLC.

It takes a few seconds to load, so be patient. The full episode airs on Saturday 12/6 9 PM EST which should be 5 PM AST, but check your listings. Dr. Oakly, Dr. Karen Higgs and I examine one of the Adak burn birds while at the flight center earlier this year.

Do you know the way to Haines, Alaska?

 These two eagles are going to Haines on Wednesday for the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival in Haines. There they'll be released as part of the "Flight for Freedom".

 Both of these birds came to Bird TLC from Adak, Alaska. They received burns while at the local dump. All of the primary and secondary flight feathers were heavily damaged and they were unable to fly. We had to wait on Mother Nature to have the birds molt, to see if they would be able to fly.

The last two photos should tell you how that turned out.

 

Here's hoping for a wonderful life for these two young birds in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

I love it when people send me photos

I love it when people send me photos of one of our events. Patti Bogan sent me some photos she had taken of a Golden Eagle and a immature Bald Eagle we released a few weekends ago.

 Both were picture perfect.

 But wait, she didn't take any photos of herself doing a release of a mature Bald Eagle. Don't worry Patti, we got you covered.

Thanks for your photos Patti!

Snowy Owl time

This young snowy owl came in Saturday night from North Slope, Alaska with a right wing wrist injury. As you can see in the x-ray, it has a compound fracture at the metacarpal near the joint where it joins the ulna.

 Chances are it clipped its wing on something while flying along.

 It has heavy bruising and is very sensitive.

 Dr. Karen knocked it out to do a more thorough exam. At this time we were able to treat for feather louse and trim its talons.

 The small black dots are feather lice or louse. Because of the infestation, it might not have been taking good care of itself prior to its accident. It's weight was good at 3.7 lbs.

In this photo a still very sleepy owl. Because of its age, size and colorization, we're unable to tell sex. Blood was drawn to help us on that. It's also too soon to determine a course of action. Dr. Karen is consulting with many of her colleagues. This is a tough one.

The ALS challange

We were challenged by the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. We meet the challenge and challenged the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, American Bald Eagle Foundation in Haines and Alaska Wildbird Rehabilitation in Big Lake. Bbrrrr

We're still here

I know we haven't posted in a while, but we're still here. It's been a busy summer. Above Dr. Karen Higgs is working on the damaged wrist of one of the bald eagles that came in a few months ago. We've taken in 50 Bald Eagles so far this year.

Adak burn eagle to be released

Bird Treatment and Learning Center

NEWS RELEASE

The Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage is excited to announce the release of one of the burn eagles from Adak. The bird now known as Sparkie, came to Bird TLC in February 2014 after hunting rodents at the Adak landfill and landing on hot embers along with five other eagles. The fire did heavy damage to its tail and wing feathers. After a lengthy recovery, the feathers regrew after the bird molted its damaged feathers. He’s been recovering at Bird TLC’s Flight Center on JBER Richardson for the past 4 months regaining his strength.

Sparkie has proven that he is ready to be released with his beautiful flight. He will be released at the Soldotna Progress Days in Soldotna this Saturday at 2 pm. The release is open to the public and admission is free.

For more information, call Dave Dorsey @ 907-351-4968 / davedorsey@gci.net or the Bird TLC office at 907-562-4852 / office@birdtlc.net

KTUU Channel 2's Lacie Grosvold story on Sparkie and the release. Click here

 



To Fox Island

Bird TLC started a new education venue on Fox Island along with Kenai Fjords Tours. If you don't know where Fox Island is, head to Seward, get on a large boat, head about 45 minutes south and you're there.

 On the way there, we saw porpoise, bowhead whales, eagles and more. The scenery is awesome.

Fox Island is uninhabited, but has several vacation lodges. Kenai Fjords tours has a couple there. In between presentations I went on an short island tour with Ranger Jim of the National Park Service. Jim is very knowledgeable of the islands history.

 During their stay, young people 4 - 12 can become a junior ranger.

When it was time for Hal's presentation, everyone was having a lunch of Alaskan Salmon, prime rib, salads and deserts. You could have heard a pin drop when Hal came out. 



This was my first presentation with Hal. so I was a little nervous. Hal wasn't, being the old pro he is.



We were flooded with eagle questions and Hal getting his picture taken. I guess you could say it was a success.



And this was our return ride to Seward. I must say that the whole staff of Kenai Fjords Tours in Seward and on Fox Island were most helpful and polite. The captains and crew members were more than helpful and accommodating. I know Hal and I had fun. I hope everyone enjoyed his visit.