Wind Over Wings

Conservation Through Education

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GOLDEN EAGLE

Aquila chrysaetos

NEW ENGLAND: Very rare. Migrates through during cold months.
Goldens are being seen in the fall and winter more frequently than previously.

HABITAT: Mountainous or hilly terrain.

FOOD: Mammals, especially jackrabbits, snakes and carrion.

The Golden Eagle qualifies as one of the world's most magnificent species, and is historically the 'King' of birds. Its piercing, bronze-eyed gaze exemplifies the expression "the look of eagles." This species is not restricted to this continent, as is our national bird, the Bald Eagle; it is a resident of the mountainous areas of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, as well as North America. Golden Eagles weigh in at 8 to 15 pounds, and may have a wingspan of over 6 feet. Golden-tipped feathers on the crown and neck give the species its name. The Golden Eagle has been protected since 1962 after over 20,000 were destroyed by sheep ranchers in helicopters in spite of little evidence of livestock depredation. Golden Eagles typically mate for life, and they often use aromatic leaves in their nests to deter insect pests. Belief in the sacred values of this bird extends deep into the culture of native North Americans.

Skywalker

Sky is a Golden Eagle from Nebraska. When he was about two years old, he was intentionally shot. Due to the severity of the injury his right wing required amputation. This is always a difficult decision for a veterinarian, because the eagle loses flight, freedom, balance, and heat. The Raptor Recovery Center in Nebraska requested that he come to Wind Over Wings because of his exceptional personality and our orientation towards training. As part of our standard practices we do not withhold food, and all of our birds are free in their aviaries as opposed to being tethered to a perch on the ground. Upon arrival, Sky appeared to be suspicious of people. Hope Douglas and Pat Davidson of Wind Over Wings worked every day with Sky for 2 ½ years as Sky slowly learned to trust people. He is inquisitive, calm, patient, and forgiving. Although he should be mistrusting of people, particularly due to the viciousness of his injury, Sky has formed a remarkable attachment to his handlers. He was recently taken to a Special Olympics event. During the event a little girl stood in front of this handicapped eagle and said, "He's just like me!" When we work with Skywalker we do not see his disability. Rather, to us he is a beautiful example of a wild bird who learned a new way of life as an educator.

 

Chrysos

Chrysos means “gold” in Greek and was one of the gifts of the Magi. This young eagle originally came to New England from Salt Lake City. During late October of 2002, she sustained multiple injuries after being hit by a truck. It is amazing that she survived. All injuries healed well, but she is unable to fly. She was transferred to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in January of 2005 and then was given to Wind Over Wings on December 22, 2005. They felt that she will turn four years old in 2006. How fortunate we feel to have this magnificent eagle as part of our faculty.

 

 

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