Raptor Center of Southeast Michigan

By Alysha Albrecht

In June 2023, I received a call about a grounded juvenile Bald Eagle in north Ann Arbor. Though I had been mentoring under Dody for nearly five years and received my federal and state permits in 2022, I wasn’t sure I was ready to face the largest avian apex predator up close. But as the sun set, I left dinner on the table and headed out the door.

To my surprise, the local community had been watching this nest for eight years via live eagle cams and working with researchers to band and monitor the birds. Thankfully, I captured the eagle safely and brought her in for rehabilitation.

With a planned vacation days away, I transferred the eagle to another rehabilitator, who later discovered a humerus break. When I returned, the bird came back to me for further care. With Dody’s guidance and help from our vet, Dr. Pratt, we removed bone fragments, and the eagle began healing. But two questions remained: Had she ever truly flown? And had she learned to hunt?

The Ann Arbor Eagle Cam community confirmed she had flown only a few times, which led us to believe she never learned to hunt. We consulted experts, including Francie Krawcke of Michigan Avian Experience, who has been working with eagles for over 20 years. Ultimately, we made the tough decision to deem her a non-releasable education bird due to her wing never fulling healing correctly; her shoulder can no reach as high as the other, making for a difficult flight.

Though we hoped for release, this eagle now has a new purpose: teaching people about conservation. As we continue to find her forever home, her story is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the importance of protecting our wildlife. Your generosity and support make second chances possible!