Kip’s Comments - January 17, 2026
Introducing “America”
This morning I received a message about a downed bald eagle and wondering if there was anything that might be done for the bird. Based on the description provided, the assumption was the eagle was injured and not a victim of avian influenza. I quickly made contact with a wildlife rehabber, organized capture equipment, and traveled to the location of the downed bird.
Locating a downed bald eagle is one thing - usually the only easy part of the capture process. I quickly found the injured bird perched on a tree branch along a steep, wooded bank leading to the Shell Rock River. Expecting the bird to not cooperate, I waited until a bald eagle capture team was assembled. In a matter of minutes our team consisted of Julie, Travis, Case, Joey, McCoy, and a hunting dog that I cannot remember the name of.
Injured Bald Eagle - Image 1057775
Our plan consisted of Julie and the dog being seen along the river to discourage the eagle from moving in that direction. Joey and Travis worked the bird toward the upper edge of the wooded hill while Case, McCoy, and I would be up in the grassy area with a large net to quickly capture the bird when it tried to escape those folks and the dog down below.
Injured Bald Eagle - Image 1057780
What you want to happen may not necessarily be what an injured bald eagle chooses to do. Up and down the wooded hillside the eagle scooted (it was unable to fly any distance). Travis did a great job of “pushing” the bird so it remained away from the river. Joey diverted the bird from moving along the steep ridge. Eventually we were able to move in close enough to the eagle where I could drop the net over the injured animal. Then our two young fellows brought the pet taxi over where we untangled the eagle from the net, secured it in the kennel, and it was carried back to my truck for the trip to Terese with Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project.
Injured Bald Eagle - Image 1057797
It is important to understand that until this eagle has been examined by a veterinarian, we will not know if or how much rehabilitation might be possible. Rehabbers must follow defined regulations on what can be attempted or, in a worst case situation, if the bird must be euthanized. That the bird is a bald eagle adds additional regulations.
Injured Bald Eagle - Image 105801
Our bald eagle had plenty of energy and considerable attitude. The bird was solid and did not appear to be dehydrated. Those qualities give me hope that this bird may again fly wild. Time will tell what, if anything, is possible. Let’s hope for the best.
Injured Bald Eagle - Image 1057802
I want to thank Julie, Travis, Case, Joey, McCoy, and the dog for assisting with the capture. Thank you to Roger and Sally for helping with the notification process. And a big thank you to Terese for accepting this bird knowing it will likely require a considerable amount of time to rehabilitate. Another “thanks” to the donor of the net I use that is large enough for bald eagles!
As for the name… After we had the eagle in my truck, photos were taken as the eagle was admired at close range. My two adult fellows who assisted both commented “that was America.” Now this bird has a name… America. Thanks guys!
