Damaged Eagle

[Rick S]

This Eagle has a "clubbed" foot. Two different angles. A friend had spotted it on the ground before it flew into this tree and noticed the foot. D850/500Pf.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Charles Loy]

Ouch!! Mature Eagle. Sad, but looks as it has been that way a while. You made a nice photo of the eagle

 

[Rick S]

Ouch!! Mature Eagle. Sad, but looks as it has been that way a while. You made a nice photo of the eagle

Thanks Charles. I agree, it has been that way a while and does seem to have adversely affected it. Seems well fed.

 

[NorthernFocus]

That looks to be seriously deformed. Tumor maybe? At any rate the bird looks to be doing OK.

 

[Steve]

Poor thing.

 

[Rick S]

That looks to be seriously deformed. Tumor maybe? At any rate the bird looks to be doing OK.

Thanks and it does seem to be doing well.

 

[Rick S]

Poor thing.

Yes. Nature can be cruel.

 

[Ralph]

This Eagle has a "clubbed" foot. Two different angles. A friend had spotted it on the ground before it flew into this tree and noticed the foot. D850/500Pf.
View attachment 58511View attachment 58512

Poor thing. Looks like it’s coping.

 

[Rick S]

Poor thing. Looks like it’s coping.

Yeah, seems to be doing well.

 

[Mark Garfinkel]

Contact Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Center. They maybe interested in following this bird.

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research

 

[Woody Meristem]

Injury or birth defect? Critters like eagles live for the moment and can overcome problems and injuries that would kill a mere human. Remember, the vast, vast majority of wild beings die before they live long enough to reproduce. If a pair of bald eagles reproduce for 15 years, they may have 25-30 eaglets but only two need to survive.

 

[Rick S]

Contact Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Center. They maybe interested in following this bird.

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research

Thanks, good Idea. I didn't think of it.

ETA: Just checked their page and calls 9am-5pm so I'll give them a call tomorrow or most likely Monday. The page says not to email them about a bird.

 

[Rick S]

Injury or birth defect? Critters like eagles live for the moment and can overcome problems and injuries that would kill a mere human. Remember, the vast, vast majority of wild beings die before they live long enough to reproduce. If a pair of bald eagles reproduce for 15 years, they may have 25-30 eaglets but only two need to survive.

No idea which it might be. I lean towards injury, but either is certainly possible. Indeed, they are resilient and it seems to be doing quite well.