Raptors Love Company

Hi, Friends.

I'm back in Canada again--this time, Quebec City. You may remember that when I visited Ottawa a few weeks ago, I learned of Ben, the puppy who had been mutilated and then left at a shelter. Listening to CBC on this trip, I discovered another story that might be of interest to you. This time, it's about an eagle out there looking for a little camaraderie (and maybe a fox or two). Here's the story:

Winnipeg's visiting eagle has landed early CBC News

A wild bald eagle that visits Winnipeg's Assiniboine Zoo on its northern spring migration has arrived earlier than usual.

It is the third year in a row the magnificent, white-headed bird has paused to visit the zoo's captive eagles, zoo officials said.

The visiting eagle and the zoo's four bald eagles repeatedly call back and forth to each other, flapping their wings in excitement, as the wild bird flies around and over the eagle exhibit.

Usually, the visit occurs in early March. The bird has also extended its weeklong stay. Zoo staff say this year the eagle has stayed in the area, perching in nearby trees, for about two weeks.

Each March and April, several hundred bald eagles migrate north along the Red River Valley, passing over Winnipeg and the zoo. But this particular mature bird stops to spend time with the locals.

The visiting eagle also does not hesitate to land inside the uncovered Arctic fox exhibit to pick up a fish or piece of meat, with the frenzied white foxes or zookeeper David Curtis only a few metres away, according to a zoo news release.

There is some concern the hungry eagle may try to seize and fly off with a fox, although the foxes usually retreat underground when the large bird swoops near.

Zoo curator Bob Wrigley recently published an article in International Zoo News on the migratory habits of local wild bald eagles, and the remarkable longevity and breeding of the zoo's senior pair. The wild-born individuals, believed to be about 45 years old, are still raising chicks.