PESHAWBESTOWN — Two rehabilitated eagles will be released into the wild Saturday.
The Skegemog Raptor Center scheduled a public release during the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians’ 22nd Annual Natural Resources Fair and Feast, an event that highlights natural resources, traditions, treaty rights and community.
The two eagles are scheduled to be released at 11 a.m. by the Skegemog Raptor Center, but the fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Arthur Duhamel Marina, and include a traditional Anishinaabe lunch, educational booths, children’s activities, a raffle and more.
The birds are being released after receiving treatment for lead poisoning and other injuries.
“Unfortunately, (lead poisoning) is something we see in many of the eagles admitted to our center,” James Manley, executive director of Skegemog Raptor Center said. “Seeing these birds complete rehabilitation and return to the wild is why this work matters.”
On May 28, one of the eagles, an adult female from the Omena area, was admitted to the center in critical condition, “barely responsive and unable to stand,” according to Sept. 14 media release.
Testing confirmed poisonous levels of lead and her condition suggested a possible additional, unidentified toxic exposure. She was treated for the lead poisoning, but significant eye inflammation complicated her rehabilitation.
The left eye ultimately recovered, while the right required prolonged treatment and repeated examinations. Bob Foote provided ophthalmic examinations and consultation in coordination with the veterinary team at Brookside Veterinary Hospital.
Over the following months, her neurologic abnormalities resolved, her strength and body condition improved and her vision improved sufficiently to progress through flight conditioning, the release said. After nearly four months in rehabilitation, she met the criteria for release.
The second eagle, a young bald eagle found along I-75, was admitted on Sept. 2 after being picked up from Sault Animal Hospital. This eagle arrived with poisonous levels of lead and soft-tissue injuries consistent with a possible vehicle collision, but no broken bones or other serious injuries.
The birds received additional treatment and completed final conditioning for release at the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians’ Archie Kiogima Jr.-ba Migizi Eagle Aviary and Rehabilitation Center.
“When we have the ability to help another rehabilitator and one of our winged relatives, we will do what we can,” Manley said. “It is through these collaborations that we can do more for our wildlife and for the communities we serve.”