Dawson City Bald Eagle

1 minute read – 

Imagine a bald eagle walking around, it’s like the fierce sky warrior forgot its wings. When it’s on the ground, its swagger is… questionable. Instead of the majestic glide we all picture, it’s more like a grumpy grandpa strutting through the yard, a bit hunched, stepping carefully as if it’s got somewhere important to be. It’s as if it’s trying hard to act casual, but can’t quite hide the fact that it’s totally out of its element. You just know it’s thinking, “I’m supposed to be flying right now…”

On October 18th, we admitted a juvenile bald eagle into the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. The young eagle came all the way from Dawson City. Apparently, this bird was found struttin’ its stuff on the main street sidewalk of DC. This bird certainly was supposed to be flying but due to being slightly underweight, 4.4kg, not fueled well and muscles not strong enough, it was flightless. Damage to the tail feathers suggest it spent a fair amount of time, flightless. 

The eagle spent one week inside, eating well and gaining weight. The second week in care and until her release she is working on her flight hours, gaining strength before going back to the wild. 

On November 7th, 2024, at 6kg in weight and less than a month in our care, the juvenile bald eagle was returned to the wild, at Chasàn Chùa (McIntyre Creek). she was not transported back to Dawson City for the release.  This added travel can be stressful and Dawson City in the winter can be a challenging place for a young eagle to succed. 

Help us get them back on their wings. We could use your help. If you are able to support the care of these two animals, please consider donating. Every contribution makes a difference and as a non-profit charitable organization, you can receive a charitable tax receipt for your support. 

Photo credit: L. Caskenette