Eagle Aid Project

Birds of prey, because of their predatory role and their power, have always evoked strong, emotional reactions . Some cultures have maliciously persecuted them as vermin, while others have revered them as gods.

The eagle figures prominently in the mythology and folklore of the Haida people of British Columbia's west coast. This is understandable in that the adult bald eagle is one of North America's most impressive animals. It has a wingspan of 7 to 8 feet, a dazzling white head and tail, contrasting against a dark brown body, a powerful beak and talons, and penetrating yellow eyes.

Although they possess an apparent air of strength and invincibility, bald eagles are highly susceptible to the effects of mankind's activity. They have suffered the insidious, damaging consequences of insecticides and other environmental pollutants. They have, at times,been intentionally shot and poisoned, and their wilder- ness domain has been steadily destroyed so that only small pockets of suitable habitat remain. Because of these ongoing pressures, bald eagle populations in southern and eastern North America have declined to
alarmingly low numbers.

British Columbia's west coast in one of the few remaining strongholds for Bald Eagles. Its productive salmon spawning rivers and adjacent forests serve as good breeding and wintering habitat. However, B.C.'s eagles still suffer from the effects of our presence.

Every year these birds are harmed by many things, including gun shot and automobile injuries, electrocution and lead toxicity. The more subtle effects of human disturbance and environmental contamination have not been adequately quantified. Although oureagles are presently thriving, history has proven how sensitive such a population can be and how quickly its status can change.

This eagle flight cage measures 140'x30'x20. It enables recovering bald eagles to regain their strength before being released. Through one way windows we are able to monitor their progress, making sure they are feeding well, flying strongly and their injuries are healed. Since being built in l991, this cage has never been empty.

A new addition to the eagle flight cage is the McAdie Treatment Centre. This12m x 12m building designed for the direct care of eagles includes an operating theatre, x-ray room, examining and lab area, and storage cupboards.

Significant contributors to the treatment centre are: The Vancouver Foundation, many caring individuals, The Fraternal Order of Eagles, and local service clubs.