Eagles Released at Lower Wisconsin River Site (Chapter #1 of Three)

Male adult Bald Eagle when he was rescued in August of 2009. He was suffering from lead poisoning and a fractured wing when found in a swamp and deep woods. The eagle never would have survived had it not been for a concerned citizen, Ron Drayler. Ron found the eagle while surveying some land. He then raced to the closest phone to call REGI for help. The eagle's rescue photos are below photos of his joyful release.)



( Photo: A nice crowd gathered near Sauk City, WI, to celebrate the release of three Bald Eagles, including this adult Bald Eagle found injured in August near Wausau.)


( Photo: The Bald Eagle was able to give a great group of senior citizens from The Pines Assisted Living an up-close and personal view of his magnificence minutes before his release. - Since the residents were not able to brave the cold temperatures, we went to them in the bus. Photo by: Arlene Sykora)



( Photo: One last view of the adult Bald Eagle seconds before he opened his wings under his own power and began a new phase of his life.)



(Photo: Free again, this adult male Bald Eagle takes his first wing beats in the wild since he was rescued near Wausau, WI in August 2009. Photo by: Bill Wright)



(Photo: The day in August when I was able to capture the injured and sick Bald Eagle from a swamp and wooded area near Wausau, WI. A very excited Ron Drayler signals REGI interns that we captured the eagle. It took a few hours of wading the swamp, but success that day assured this eagle would live to fly again.)


( Photo: Ron Drayler looking very pleased we were able to rescue the Bald Eagle he found dying in a wooded/swamp area. I just look very tired after tromping the swamp and swatting mosquitoes for over an hour to rescue the eagle.)

It takes so many people to make a success like this possible. We can rehabilitate Bald Eagles, but without people to find them and alert us to their situation, they would die without have a second chance at life. Ron made a difference for this eagle, but so can each one who reads this blog. You never know when you can become a hero to wildlife. Notice that this Bald Eagle suffered from Lead poisoning as so many do. Lead Poisoning is fatal without exception unless the bird is treated with chelating agents. Lead poisoning is something that every person can do something about. Thanks, Ron, for your part in this story.

Ron shared that his son will soon be leaving for deployment to Iraq. We join the family in their pride for their son's duty to our country.

Another Chapter, another story and release is coming up tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Marge Gibson © 2010