BORDEN-CARLETON, P.E.I. — An eagle nestling that caused problems with an electrical grid earlier this summer and had to be rescued for fear of fire or electrocution, finally soared to freedom Saturday afternoon.
The bird was released in Borden-Carleton, where it was captured, after spending more than three months at the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (CWRC) in Hilden, N.S.
“We’re happy to see the eaglet fly into freedom because it’s restoring the balance in nature. We want to see wild animals free and confident in their natural environment. And before any release, our volunteers make sure the bird is ready,” said Murdo Messer, co-founder of CWRC.
The eaglet, named Borden, was removed from its nest about 25-metres above ground on top of a Maritime Electric transmission tower in June.
“The nest was built inside the steel frame and it was making the power grid a fire hazard. The nest caused electrical power outages in Charlottetown because the birds dropped things down the steel frame. We were concerned for their safety with the high-voltage and electrocution,” said Messer.
It took a whole team to make the best of a dangerous situation.
Maritime Electric crews, Atlantic Veterinary College Wildlife Service (AVC), and boom trucks were on-site to hoist the nest to safety.
While the parents were able to fly away, Borden (a nestling at the time) was transported to AVC in Charlottetown for a few days of assessment before being given a clean bill of health.
After, Borden was transferred to the CWRC and raised until ready to be returned into the wild.
“About 90 per cent of the birds that come to our Centre have been impacted by (unintentional) human interference, whether it’s a vehicle accident or poisoning,” said Messer, adding the Centre currently has three P.E.I. bald eagles that will be released back on the Island before this winter season.
With a couple of hops out of the dark crate, which was used to safely keep the eaglet calm during transportation, Borden confidently flew away.
Messer was on hand to assist with the release. He said the eaglet will either stay in the area or move on.
To learn more about the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, visit www.cwrc.net.
