Paul and Monique Cooper were the first to spot this Bald Eagle who is missing his or her left eye. The eagle visited their area in Irish Beach for several days.
I sent Paul's photo to several experienced birders, asking if they had seen this bird before. No one had. In my Mendonoma Sightings column I asked people to be on the lookout for this Bald Eagle and see if they could get a closer photo. Eric Zetterholm came through, as he often does.
I was told this Bald Eagle has two indentations in the back of his or her head. I would guess that this eagle was attacked, perhaps by a Great Horned Owl. Using up one of his or her lives, this Bald Eagle has completely healed and was seen by Eric eating a fish. Hooray!
Thanks to Paul and Eric for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
Wind and more wind is the story today. This is suppose to be the last day of the strong wind. May it be so!
Anne Mary Schaefer
Oh, that poor Eagle... she's one tough bird!
I hope that it wasn't a human that caused her injury.
Thank you for sharing that she was seen eating a fish, remarkable adaptability. Especially considering one really needs depth perception to dive from hundreds of feet up in the air and snag a fish. Amazing.
Jeanne Jackson
Post authorAnne Mary, we think this Bald Eagle might have been attacked by a Great Horned Owl. She did survive and has managed to thrive despite her disability!