Gopher Tortoise Trail bald eagle nest collapses in storm

Gopher Tortoise Trail bald eagle nest collapses in storm

The bald eagle nest on Gopher Tortoise Trail at Gulf State Park collapsed during a severe early morning storm on March 22, sending two baby eaglets to the ground below, according to a facebook post from the Orange Beach Wildlife Center.
Gulf State Park Naturalist Hillary Bryan (above) was able to find the eaglets on the ground in some thick brush and debris as the eaglets’ parents circled above nearby trees.
“Both eaglets were admitted into our clinic, where they were stabilized and kept comfortable until further diagnostics were conducted. Radiographs confirmed that the oldest eaglet had a humerus fracture. They were also mildly dehydrated and experienced slight internal bleeding. The younger eaglet was found to have an ulna fracture, along with dehydration and mild internal bleeding. Additionally, one eaglet had a fishing hook embedded in its toe. This was an older injury, and it likely got stuck while in the nest. Both eaglets were administered pain medications, fluids, and easy-to-digest food, and we are thrilled to share, that they are stable and doing well.’’
Both eaglets were transferred to the Auburn University Raptor Center, as the extent of their fractures will require specialized care and possible surgery.
“Wildlife rehabilitation, education, and conservation takes a village, and we are proud to be a part of a network of organizations able to assist in cases such as this,’’ OBWC posted.