Wind Over Wings

Conservation Through Education

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BALD EAGLE

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

STATUS: Becoming more visible in New England.

HABITAT: Near large bodies of fresh or salt water

FOOD: Fish, mammals, carrion

The Bald Eagle has been our national symbol since 1782. Our forefathers chose wisely and well, for this is a truly magnificent species. Bald Eagles stand 3 feet tall with a wingspan that may reach 7 feet. Weight ranges from 8 to 16 pounds. Adult eagles are dark brown, with a gleaming white head and tail. Immatures are brown mottled with white, and don't reach adult resplendence until they are 4 or 5. The species ranges from California and Florida up to Alaska, although its numbers declined drastically in the 1950s and '60s due mostly to DDT poisoning. Now, however, use of the pesticide is banned, and the Bald Eagle is on the comeback trail. Habitat protection is a key issue in the long-term survival of the Bald Eagle.

RIVER "MINIWAKAN"
Bald Eagle

River is a beautiful Bald Eagle. She was named,"Miniwakan" during a Native American Ceremony by Jack Olsqewski. We affectionately call her River because the Connecticut River is where she has spent her life. River was banded as a nestling in North Hampton, Massachusetts in 1996. During the fall of 2002, she was rescued in the Connecticut River by Portland, Connecticut. She had fractured several ribs and her left femur. She had a large wound on her right leg and was unable to stand. Karen Hannon provided life-saving, intensive care. Tufts University and the Kensington Bird and Animal Hospital provided medical care. River was found to be nonreleasable due to the extensive medical problems, but she early on showed signs of having a remarkable personality. Her entertainment while in Karen's rehab room was an aquarium full of mice, which River would study for hours. When U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gave Wind Over Wings permission to have River in our educational service, we felt honored and thrilled. She is vocal, interactive and humorous. A joy!

 

 

 

 

The Board of Directors of Wind Over Wings wish to thank Acorn Computing for this web site and

Ken Mulcahy for ongoing updates.

Wind Over Wings
22 Old Road
Clinton, CT 06413
(860) 669-4004
E-mail: windoverwings@comcast.net