Bald eagle rescued from Stag Island tree receiving treatment for wing injuries

Arborist Justin Nicol rescued an eagle whose wing was impaled on a branch. The bird is receiving care, with further specialist treatment being arranged.

A bald eagle rescued from a tree on Stag Island Oct. 12 is receiving treatment for significant wing injuries, with its caregivers describing its prognosis as guarded.

In its latest Facebook update Oct. 14, the Avian Rehabilitation Clinic of Sarnia-Lambton said the eagle was eating well and receiving medication while the clinic arranged further examination and treatment with the National Wildlife Centre.

“The eagle’s prognosis is guarded,” the clinic wrote. “He has SIGNIFICANT soft tissue trauma and we are doing what we can to give this eagle the best chance at recovery.”

Arborist Justin Nicol climbed the tree to reach the eagle after the clinic received a call around 3 p.m. The bird had reportedly been stuck and in distress since about 8:30 that morning.

The clinic contacted Nicol, who responded to the request for help. Rescuers travelled to the island aboard the Stag Island Ferry.

They found that a branch had pierced the eagle’s right wing. According to the clinic, the bird had spent more than 10 hours trying to free itself, moving farther down the branch as it struggled.

Nicol had to saw the branch off the tree and bring the eagle down with the wood still lodged in its wing.

Back at the rehabilitation clinic, caregivers stabilized the wing, administered medication and fluids, and allowed the exhausted bird to rest overnight.

The following day, the eagle was taken to Lakeshore Veterinary Clinic for X-rays and further examination. The rehabilitation clinic reported significant soft-tissue injuries, including a large tear in the wing’s patagium. Dr. Taylor sutured the wounds.

“For now, we are taking one day at a time, the eagle is eating well, on medications for pain, antibiotic, and meds to help improve circulation to the tissues,” the clinic wrote.

The clinic credited Susan Stitts with first spotting the eagle in distress, Kyla Kennedy with contacting the clinic and connecting with an island resident, and Ivy Hanicz with coordinating access through the ferry.

It also thanked the ferry driver, volunteer Tammy Blonde, who travelled from Chatham to assist, Nicol and the veterinary teams involved in the bird’s care.