Storm-swept bald eaglets now on the road to recovery at Auburn
As heavy storms swept through lower Alabama earlier this month, two bald eaglets and their nest fell from a tree in Gulf State Park. Orange Beach Wildlife Center staff and park residents — who kept a close eye on the well-known eagle nest — immediately launched a search. Thanks to their efforts, both chicks were located and brought to the wildlife center for initial care.
The 2-month-old eaglets were then transferred to the Auburn University Raptor Center for full examinations that revealed wing fractures, eye trauma and an injury from a hook that was embedded in an eaglet’s foot. Both birds underwent orthopedic surgery at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital, where veterinarians placed pins to stabilize the fractured wings.
“Especially during severe weather season, it’s not uncommon for us to get phone calls about collapsed nests, which is why we value those who observe wild raptor nests as much as we do,” said Robyn Miller, director of the Auburn University Raptor Center. “When the community cares, we’re able to take action, take these orphans in under our wing and pair them with our permanent foster residents to return them back to the wild.”
The eaglets will be closely monitored and evaluated over the next six to eight weeks as the team tracks their journey back to health. Once their fractures have healed, they will graduate to an outdoor flight aviary to build strength and practice flight. Before release, the raptor center team will evaluate each bird’s health and ensure they are prepared to take to the skies. Key indicators are symmetrical flight, strong lift and stellar landings. If cleared, the eaglets will return home to Gulf State Park.