Bald eagle recovering after Detroit River rescue as heat drives surge in wildlife calls

A rescued bald eagle continues its recovery inside a flight cage at Wings Rehabilitation Centre after being pulled from the Detroit River earlier this week.. (Chris Campbell / CTV Windsor)

A bald eagle rescued from the Detroit River is expected to make a full recovery after being found exhausted and soaked along Windsor’s waterfront, as wildlife experts warn the recent stretch of extreme heat is putting added stress on animals across the region.

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society says community members spotted the distressed eagle floating in the river near Riverside Drive and Lincoln Road before guiding it toward shore with a towel while waiting for help.

The bird was then turned over to an animal protection officer, who transported it to Wings Rehabilitation Centre in Amherstburg.

“We received a call from some community members who had noticed a distressed bird that was in the river,” said Nicole Bryce, development and donor services specialist with the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society.

“She found the bird splayed out and obviously showing signs of distress and shock… she was able to secure the bird after some time in a carrier, at which point she transported the eagle to Wings Rehabilitation Centre.”

Although bald eagles are no longer considered endangered in Canada, Bryce said sightings remain relatively uncommon in Windsor-Essex.

“It does not happen very often that we get a bald eagle,” she explained, calling the rescue a “bucket list moment” for the responding officer.

At Wings Rehabilitation Centre, wildlife coordinator Jennifer Dalley said the eagle, believed to be about four-and-a-half years old, arrived soaked and suffering from shock.

“He was found on the banks of the Detroit River, struggling to get up,” Dalley said. “He was completely in shock, saturated with water, covered in sand.”

Dalley said staff believe the eagle likely became waterlogged while attempting to catch a fish that was too large.

“He lost his weatherproofing,” she said. “Usually, the water repels off the feathers, but he was completely saturated.”

The eagle is now regaining strength in an outdoor flight cage and could be released once temperatures cool.

“He’s doing well. I think he’ll be ready to leave as soon as the heat breaks,” Dalley told CTV News. “We want to give him the best possible outcome to be released, not give him more stressors with the heat.”

Before returning the bird to the wild, rehabilitators will ensure its feathers once again repel water, that it has regained weight and that it is flying normally.

The rescue comes as Wings Rehabilitation Centre says it has been inundated with calls during the recent heat wave.

Dalley said young birds, ducklings, rabbits and other wildlife have been particularly vulnerable to the extreme temperatures.

“It’s been the week of the swallows for some reason,” she said.

Officials are reminding the public not to handle injured birds of prey, noting their powerful talons and beaks can cause serious injuries.

Instead, Bryce said residents should keep a safe distance, contact wildlife professionals and, during hot weather, help wildlife by providing fresh water and shade where possible.

“If you see any animals suffering, struggling or something doesn’t seem right, always give us a call,” Dalley said. “We can help you out.”