AUSTIN (KXAN) - A wildlife rescue in Texas treated a special type of patient for the first time last week: a baby bald eagle.
Several people found and brought the eaglet to Austin Wildlife Rescue (AWR) after severe storms knocked down a tree branch containing its nest last week. Rescue staff checked the baby for injuries and provided it with fluids and nourishment.
After clearing the eaglet for release and being informed that its parents were still in the area, AWR partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife to renest it.
"It's always important to us to renest whenever feasible, since babies always do best when they can be cared for by their parents," AWR Executive Director Jules Maron said in a statement to KXAN. "Bald eagles are especially important to keep with families, so we were so happy for the opportunity to renest."
Using a make-shift nest fashioned from a laundry basket and nesting materials, officials lifted the eagle about 30 feet back into the tree. Maron then secured it with rope and zip ties.
"It's definitely a little nerve wracking trying to balance on a ladder, secure a nest, and handle an angry baby bird of prey, but we have a pretty good method to our madness," Maron said.
Landowners continued to check on the eaglet after its renesting. The AWR has reported that one of the eaglet's parents has been seen multiple days at the new nest caring for the baby.
