Wednesday, May 25th. A beautiful morning on the Oregon coast, warm, offshore breeze, and one of the lowest tides of the year. While driving with kayak student Dominico Muscolino I decided it was imperative to postpone the construction of Dominico’s kayak and go hiking on the beach. While walking on a remote beach we discovered an injured young bald eagle. Through the wonders of cell phone technology I was put in contact with a bird rescue center and a plan was set in motion. Time was critical because we were in an area about to be sealed off by the tide.
Local resident Vivi Tallman braved the trecherous (and I do mean trecherous) scramble down to the beach with a blanket and some rope. I approached the eagle, a formidible opponent with wings spread wide and standing more than 2 1/2 feet tall, beak open hissing.
Following instructions I smothered the eagle and grasped it by the feet, beak pointing away. This was an exciting moment! Eagle talons rend flesh without pause and the beak can easily snap off fingers. Safely subdued, we carefully stuffed the eagle into my backpack, well it didn’t quite fit. We climbed back to civilization together and Vivi drove the eagle to rendevous with bird rescue. Last report the eagle is doing well, has a badly bruised wing and is eating rabbits! Release date is unknown. Thanks for taking pictures Dominico! He said to me in a thick italian accent “this is an unusual occurance.” Indeed.
