Symbol of patriotism, beauty and grace arrives at Staten Island Zoo Published: Tuesday, July 03, 2012, 6:32 AM Updated: Tuesday, July 03, 2012, 6:56 AM By Staten Island Advance Photo Courtesy of Staten Island Zoo The Staten Island Zoo is now home to a 7 -1/2-year-old female Bald Eagle with an amputated left wing. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Just in time for Independence Day, a seven and a half year old female bald eagle with an amputated left wing arrived at her new home at the Staten Island Zoo. This bald eagle is originally from Oglebay Zoo in West Virginia, where she was rehabilitated after having her wing amputated. She lost her wing after flying into a transformer. The Staten Island Zoo agreed to accept the eagle because of its ability to accommodate her in a more suitable exhibit space. The eagle is now on display in a well-perched outdoor exhibit near the Zoo's Broadway entrance. Although she can't fly, she's a symbol of patriotism, beauty and grace. Named June 20, 1782, as the emblem of the United States of America, the bald eagle, which represents freedom for our country, was given this distinction due to its long life, great strength, and majestic look. Living on tops of lofty mountains, eagles have unlimited freedom as they fly in and out of valleys or across the sky. One of the most recognizable symbols of the bald eagle is depicted on coins and on the Seal of the United States. An eagle's diet consists of salmon, rats and herring. In the wild, eagles eat many things including carrion, fish, and small mammals, such as rabbits and raccoons. Eagles generally live 20 to 30 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity. Eagle nests are up to four meters deep and eight feet wide. http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/07/symbol_of_patriotism_beauty_an.html
They are beautiful birds! We have a pair of them at our local Zoo. But best yet we have many that nest along our 2 beautiful rivers, the Susquehanna and the Chenango, and can be seen flying over while surveying their hunting area.
I'm lucky enough to see bald eagles in the wild nearly every day. They are truely majestic birds. One time I got scared that I was going to be attacked by one in my kayak. Eagle attacks on humans are rare, but they do happen.
Long ago, I was up close and personal with an eagle. The bird store where my bird came from, had one in their front window. They had a license for it. The bird's front claws were huge. I was amazed at how big they really are. The bird's beak was tremendous.
I have the privilege of seeing these birds fly wild in my area and I'm always in awe when I see even one of these majestic birds. Next time, though, I better remember having my camera with for the next time I see one.
We see eagles here, they are majestic. We also see vultures and they are amazing when they just glide.
