DN9 is also at SOAR
Buffalo gnat / black fly bites on DN9.
This hatch-year (HY19) bald eagle – DN9 – from the Decorah North Nest and famous from the Raptor Resource Project (RRP) nest camera fell to the ground under the nest on 6 June. RRP board member, Dave K, was able to locate and rescue this eaglet on 7 June.
DN9 was transported to SOAR on 7 June. Photos taken during an initial assessment during transfer to SOAR executive director, Kay Neumann.
During transfer Kay noted that this eaglet has numerous bites near the eyes and nostrils (nares), on the back of the head, and the skin on the throat below the lower beak was raw from buffalo gnats (AKA blackfly). What you see near the beak of this eagle are the bloody scabs from the gnat bites. This young eagle is emaciated, anemic, and dehydrated. Kay did discover once at SOAR that DN9 had feather lice. Birds in poor condition typically have feather lice. Feather lice may crawl on you, but only in search of feathers. Kay reported no fractures.
DN9 is dehydrated. See the tent of skin on top of foot? Pinch a fold of skin on your hand and let go. The skin quickly goes back in to place. When the skin ‘tents’ there is not enough fluid in the system.
Even though this eaglet is older than D33 (Hatchery nest admitted 5 June 2019), DN9 still needs more feathers to have successful flight. In the photos you can see tail feathers and primary (flight) feathers still encased in the sheath.
DN9 tail feathers still have some growing to do.
Kay gave DN9 fluids evening on 7 June and forcep fed some stew meat. Kay reported some good output 🙂 this morning. This eaglet is not yet interested in eating on its own. Today, DN9 will get more fluids and medication to treat for the lice.
DN9 primary (flight) feathers still have some growing to do. DN9 was admitted to SOAR on 7 June2019.
As updates on DN9 become available, those will be shared. Please understand that we have over 30 hatch-year raptors admitted already this year, in addition to other adult raptors needing care.
If you would like to support SOAR’s efforts in raptor rehabilitation, education, and research, please visit https://soarraptors.org/support-soar/
If you are one of the many that have already donated – thank you. Plus a special “shout out” to those of you who give monthly to support the work of SOAR.
A special thank you to RRP board member and wife, David and Ann for coordinating from afar, RRP board member Dave K, and the Iowa DNR Decorah Fish Hatchery staff for their support.