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Second Chance, a wildlife rescue, that specializes in birds of prey, released a Golden Eagle back into the wild in the Eagle Mountain Area on September 5th. Debbie Souza-Pappas, the founder and director of Second Change Wildlife Rehabilitation of Price Utah, said that the total cost was around $500 for medical supplies and food to rehabilitate the Golden Eagle. But she comments that if you take into consideration the time spent, the total cost would be closer to $5,500 for rehabilitation. This Golden Eagle was not injured, but was down due to the fact it was a young bird, and inexperienced with life and what that requires for a bird of prey. Because of the heat, the bird was dehydrated and thin when it was delivered to Second Chance. Someone spotted the downed bird, and notified the Division of Wildlife of the situation. They were able to find the bird and rescue it. Debbie continues, “So, unlike most of the cases, he did not require surgery, just time and supportive care, which means fluids, rest and food. When he became strong enough, he was put in an enclosure with other Golden Eagles in our care, some, with the same issues. He became stronger and eventually learned to kill one source of food, rabbits. This process, the ‘kill-testing” lasted about 2 1/2 weeks. We then had to make the decision where to release him and who got the honors of the release.”
As Debbie mentioned, the Eagles needed to learn to kill a source of local food before they could be released. Eagle Mountain residents helped and donated enough rabbits for the kill-testing process. These kill-tests allow the Golden Eagle to recognize rabbits as a food source, and how to hunt them. This step is vital to rehabilitation of these beautiful birds.
Shon Reed was then contacted by Debbie to find an Eagle Mountain resident to help return this majestic bird back into the wild in the Cedar Valley. Shon Reed has helped Second Chance several times in the past with birds released in the Eagle Mountain area. Eagle Mountain has been identified as a prime recovery habitat for small and large birds of prey. This Golden Eagle was in the care of Second Chance for just short of two months before it was strong enough to be released back into the wild.
The Golden Eagle was released to the wild by Eagle Mountain Resident and Veteran Jeremy Evans. Jeremy Evans is a father of four and a fifteen year resident of Eagle Mountain. He served in the military for 11 years, including time in Iraq in 2003 and 2004. He was also part of the Olympic Security Force, and spent time in Panama, Japan, and most of the 50 states. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart for injuries to his leg during his service. He is a patriotic American, that may be in part because of his birthday. Jeremy Evans was born July 4th, 1976, during the countries bicentennial celebration of the signing of the Deceleration of Independence. He is also a local Eagle Mountain business owner, and owns the 1976 CrossFit located in Eagle Mountain. He has owned the gym for the last three and a half years of its five years in Eagle Mountain.
There were 20 to 25 avid birders and residents of Eagle Mountain at the location when the bird was released. They were able to witness this powerful bird returned to the wild. The bird was released in the Soldier Pass area, south of Eagle Mountain off of Lake Mountain Road. Jeff and Wendy Peterson, Eagle Mountain residents was able to watch as the Golden Eagle was released back into the wild. Jeff had this to say about the experience, “Seeing a raptor that has been injured and then released back into the wild is incredible! It is not often that an average person gets to see a golden eagle within a few feet! The size of the bird and their talons! It is truly remarkable!” Wendy relates this about the experience, “It was an honor to see such an amazing turn of events and be there for the release of the Golden Eagle here in Eagle Mountain. Just knowing that someone has such a love for wildlife, willing to care for the sick/injured while bringing them back to health and then releasing them into their natural environment is amazing. Thank you to all involved!”
Eagle Mountain is also home to a very active American Kestrel population. The Eagle Mountain Kestrel project monitors 24 Kestrel boxes located throughout Eagle Mountain. They were able to monitor 62 nestlings during the last breeding season.
Golden Eagle Facts
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
ORDER: ACCIPITRIFORMES FAMILY: ACCIPITRIDAE
Habitat: Grasslands
Food: Mammals
Nesting: Cliff
Behavior: Soaring
Conservation: Least Concern (IUCN)
Measurements Both Sexes
Length
27.6–33.1 in
70–84 cm
Wingspan
72.8–86.6 in
185–220 cm
Weight
105.8–216.1 oz
3000–6125 g
Other Names
Aigle royal (French)
Aguila real (Spanish)
Source: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/lifehistory
Resources
Second Chance Rehabilitation website
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.