While kayaking along the South River in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, a kayaker was taken aback when he spotted something unusual peeking out from the river reeds. Little did he know, he was about to discover a remarkable animal in an unexpected setting.
An Unexpected Discovery
In a surprising twist during his river journey, the kayaker came across a distressed animal that he’d never expected to encounter in such a place.
The Call for Help
On that very day, bird rescuer Donna Cole was informed about an eagle that had been struck by a car near a highway. A Maryland police officer had already reached the scene, managing traffic to protect the injured eagle as it sought refuge by the South River. When Donna arrived, she realized the eagle was hidden in a challenging location, surrounded by dense woods and prickly undergrowth, making it difficult to approach the bird on land.
A Challenging Rescue
Determined, Donna contacted John Flood, a member of the Arundel Rivers Federation, who owned a boat and was eager to join the rescue mission. The duo quickly spotted the eagle from their boat, but it eluded them again, disappearing into the landscape. Despite their efforts and the intense heat, they couldn’t locate the eagle again and decided to regroup and try another day.
A Renewed Effort
Just as Donna was preparing for another attempt, she received a hopeful call from Owl Moon Raptor Center. A kayaker had seen the eagle across the river! Fueled by this news, Donna and John returned to the river, more determined than ever to rescue the eagle.
Success at Last
They found the kayaker who had spotted the eagle waiting by the river. John navigated the boat into the shallow waters, and Donna, wading through mud, managed to secure the eagle, even losing a shoe in the process. They quickly transported the eagle to the Owl Moon Raptor Center for recovery.
Gratitude and Relief
Donna was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the support from everyone involved in the rescue. This rescue, though challenging and lengthy, was incredibly rewarding and unforgettable for her.
“This was definitely the most challenging rescue I’ve ever been involved in. It was such a relief to finally secure the bird,” Donna reflected.
