On March 16, 2009, a bald eagle was released after rehabilitation on the large field near the Useppa helicopter landing space.

Two veterinarians, Drs. PJ Deitschel and Amber MacNamara, of CROW, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc., cared for the bald eagle and set it free.  Dr. PJ said it was a perfect release – the eagle hopped a few feet, then soared into the air and flew away.  A few minutes later, he was sighted in a tree, resting, but fine.

Dr. Amber said that the eagle had probably gotten into a fight with another male bald eagle.  On Feb. 27, when the eagle was found by Eric Glidden, of the island’s service department, the bird had blood covering his chest and face and seemed unable to fly.  Later, the bald eagle was named “Eric the Eagle” after his rescuer.

After Eric spotted the injured eagle, Chuck and Paula Berry, the island’s emergency fire and medical rescue team, were called.  The Berrys called the rehabilitation clinic.  They were told to capture the eagle and send it to the clinic.

They managed to distract the eagle and throw nets over it from behind.  Then it was put into a large dog carrier.  John and Gretchen Coyle then took the eagle to Sanibel Island, where CROW is located.

Once the eagle reached the clinic, it was washed off and given pain medications and fluids.  He was pretty quiet for the first week.  He started eating on the second day.  During the second week, the eagle started to move around.   His rehabilitators were happy because that meant he was recovering.  Before his release, Eric the Eagle was eating many rats and fish, mostly herring, but he was not very picky.

The rehabilitators wanted to release the eagle where he was found.  On the day Eric the Eagle returned to Useppa, a large crowd gathered to watch his release.  The crowd was very happy when the eagle had a perfect return to the wild. 

If you would like to contact CROW, its number is 239-472-3644 and its e-mail address is crowclinic@aol.com.