The Bald Eagle was admitted to the Minnesota Raptor Center in the Fall of 2000 with abnormal elbow extensions. No causes were apparent, however the bird was declared non-releasable and transferred to Native Bird Connections in 2002.

We have had the privilege of watching the plumage changes in this bird from the very white chest of a two year old to the typical full adult plumage of white head and tail acquired at the age of 5.

The Bald is somewhat of an "innocent" since she has had little wild-life experience. This anomaly allows us to be part of her private life and witness her curiosity, vulnerability and her behavioral transition into a typical Bald adult.
 

The Golden suffered a wing impairment from unknown causes and was found near Vasco Road in Livermore. Although his wings seem normal when he is at rest, he cannot fly well enough for wild survival. He is quite capable of short and powerful flights however!

As with the Bald, the Golden has changed plumage as he has grown up, transitioning from a very white tail base and wrists to the dusky tail base of a three year old and finally the typical plumage of a full adult.

The Golden is a true kid at heart, for he loves to make a mess. We introduce things for him to shred and tear up (otherwise the perch is fair game) in the form of boxes, cardboard tubes, fresh branches and greenery and even a small pumpkin! And, yes, he did investigate the pumpkin... there were talon holes and beak marks all over it!