Rehabilitated Golden Eagle Re-released onto the Preserve.
OGDEN NATURE CENTER AND SWANER NATURE PRESERVE
DaLyne Erickson, ONC rehabilitation specialist (801-814-7888)
Paul Grindrod, ONC wildlife education specialist (801-621-7595)
Sunday, April 3, 2005 - Ogden Nature Center (ONC) and Swaner Nature Preserve (SNP) collaborated on the re-release of a rehabilitated Golden Eagle back into the wild. Sunday, April 3, 2005 at 9:00 AM, personnel from ONC transported the eagle from their rehabilitation facility in Ogden to Swaner Nature Preserve's kiosk located east of the Base and Recreation building on Highland Road.
The bird was originally picked up by Conservation Officers from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in early February. Unable to fly, it was found near the intersection of I-80 and U.S. Highway 40 (Silver Creek Junction). Although it had no broken bones, the bird demonstrated obvious pain on one side of the body and was weak and lethargic. Several weeks of supportive care, preventive medication, and regular feedings have returned the bird to health and it was ready to go free. ONC staff wished to get the bird as close as possible to where it was found so that it would have an easier time reorienting itself. However, the intersection where the recovery was made is congested and was considered too dangerous to do the release.
Fortunately, Swaner Nature Preserve is very close to where the injured eagle was discovered and provided a huge expanse of open space for the eagle to make its first flight. While the Preserve is not suitable habitat for permanent residency for the eagle, it offers a great buffer area for the eagle to get re-established before heading for a more appropriate home.
"We are thrilled to provide a place for this extraordinary bird to make its first flight after recovering from injury," said Caroline Alder, director of community relations at SNP. "While the Preserve doesn't provide nesting habitat for golden eagles, many sightings have been made by our community of eagles flying over and circling the Preserve."
A Native American blessing was offered on the eagle before releasing it back into the wild. Over thirty people attended this event, including Ogden Nature Center staff, Swaner Nature Preserve staff, media, and interested community members.
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