By DANIELLE GALVIN
Strap: It’s hard to soar like an eagle, when you’re…
A DAZED wedge-tailed eagle made a lucky escape from a chicken coop in Upper Pakenham recently.
Wildlife carers Berny Paprota and Phill Crotty had a rescue of a different kind when they were called to help set the eagle free from a chicken coop.
“He possibly fell through a gap in the roof,” Berny said.
“Two other eagles were in a nearby tree – perhaps his parents.
“He had already killed one chicken. Not sure who needed rescuing more – the eagle or the chickens!”
Despite a bit of confusion and a graze above his beak from flying into the wire, the eagle was easily coaxed out of the pen.
“After opening the door to the enclosure and giving him a little encouragement he ran out into the open and flew off to join his parents,” Berny said.
“Two magpies flew after him to voice their objections, but he avoided them and continued toward the trees and freedom.
“It was a rare encounter with a beautiful, powerful bird of prey.”
The pair have been running the Back to Nature Wildlife Shelter in Nar Nar Goon North for three years.
They specialise in kangaroos but will tend to any animals locally that need rescuing.
Berny said they were always on the look-out for helpers and volunteers.
Contact bernyp@bigpond.com for more information.
