Eagle survives Little Spokane River rescue
An exhausted immature bald eagle that had been soaked in the frigid waters of the Little Spokane River on New Year's Eve was rescued by birders Tina and Judge Wynecoop of Colbert and taken to Ponti Veterinary Clinic for treatment. The big bird was alive and seemingly doing well, but not eating yet on Monday evening, the veterinarian reported. Four days later it was healthy and released where it was found along the Little Spokane.
Section:Gallery
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A immature baldeagle flounders in the frigid waters of the Little Spokane River on Dec. 31, 2010.
Tina Wynecoop
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Ice lined the banks of the Little Spokane River on New Year's Eve, 2010, making it difficult for an ailing, waterlogged immature bald eagle to climb out of the water.
Tina Wynecoop
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Tracks and wing marks in the snow indicated where the injured immature bald eagle was able to climb out of the Little Spokane River on New Year's Eve 2010.
Tina Wynecoop
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Tina and Judge Wynecoop were able to wrap a quilt around the cold, wet, injured immature bald eagle and transport it to Ponti Veterinary Clinic in a dog crate.
Tina Wynecoop
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Marilyn Omler of Ponti Veterinary Clinic surprised the immature bald eagle rescuers by opening the dog crate and letting the bird walk loose in the exam room as she began assessing its health.
Tina Wynecoop
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Marilyn Omler of Ponti Veterinary Clinic wears a protective leather glove to hold the immature bald eagle's feet and a helper holds the bird and covers its eyes to keep it calm during as they assess the bird's injuries.
Tina Wynecoop
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Marilyn Omler of Ponti Veterinary Clinic noticed what looked like burn marks on the pads of the immature bald eagle's large taloned feet. It's possible the bird came in contact with powerlines, leading to its poor health.
Tina Wynecoop
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The immature bald eagle's large wings are examined by Marilyn Omler of Ponti Veterinary Clinic. They appeared to be undamaged.
Tina Wynecoop
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Marilyn Omler of Ponti Veterinary Clinic examined the injured immature bald eagle from head to toe.
Tina Wynecoop
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Rescuers of an immature bald eagle, Tina and Judge Wynecoop, were told to avoid giving the injured bald eagle food or water before bringing it in to Ponti Veterinary Clinic for treatment. They were told the eagle probably would burp up a pellet. And it did!
Tina Wynecoop
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The immature bald eagle was exhausted and nearly lifeless when the Michaelis family discovered it on their property along the Little Spokane River on New Year's Eve.
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The immature bald eagle was exhausted and nearly lifeless when the Michaelis family discovered it on their property along the Little Spokane River on New Year's Eve. But they could tell it was still breathing, so they called local birding enthusiast, Tina Wynecoop.