When a dazed and confused eagle appeared in their Dowry Creek yard, Tideland members Bill and Laura Bardill along with neighbor Kelly Chandler-Brown kept a watchful eye on the obviously injured bird. Small birds buzzed around the eagle’s head and his feathers were noticeably damaged. He made several failed attempts to take flight, instead plunging into the Pungo River and climbing the rocks back to shore.

The eagle struggled from yard to yard until reaching a pier at Commodore Point. By that time, wildlife officers and a raptor rehabilitator were en route to see if the eagle required medical assistance.

A little over three hours into the ordeal, the eagle finally mustered enough strength and coordination to take flight, disappearing in foliage that lined the nearby marsh.

It was later noted that lightning had struck a tree earlier that day, one eagles are known to frequent at Dowry Creek. That likely resulted in the bird’s injuries.

Our thanks to the Bardills for sharing their photos and reminding us why Tideland territory is such a special place to live.