On June 4, a young Bald Eagle was found down on the ground near an active eagle nest in Midlothian, Virginia. The bird was unable to fly and was captured and taken to a local permitted wildlife rehabilitator, who found a fracture in the eagle’s left wing. The eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center the following day.
Dr. Dana examined the hatch-year Bald Eagle when it arrived; the bird was bright and alert. Dr. Dana suspects the eaglet is female based on measurements and weight; the eaglet weighed in at 4.0 kg and had a body condition score of 2.5/5. Dr. Dana carefully examined the fractured wing via physical exam and radiographs. The fracture of the left major metacarpal appeared to be two or three days old and was closed (not through the eaglet’s skin), complete (broken into two pieces), and mobile (no healing had taken place). The soft tissue surrounding the injury was swollen and bruised. No other injuries were found.
Dr. Dana carefully splinted bandaged the wing,and started the bird on anti-inflammatories and pain medication. A surgical repair will be performed when the swelling around the injury has decreased; Dr. Dana hopes to attempt surgery on June 9 or 10.