See the story of the Eagle that was just saved and released back into Rood Bridge Park- watch the video above.
As a child growing up in Hillsboro, it was only on a rare occasion that we saw a Bald Eagle. And when we did, it was a really big deal! As kids of the 1960s, we all knew about the poisonous insecticide, DDT. The dangerous chemical was used everywhere, and one of the damaging effects was that the Bald Eagle population was nearly wiped out in our country. DDT washed down into the waterways of the eagle’s ecosystem, and as they consumed fish and other game, which carried DDT. This caused the eggs to shatter, and no eagle hatchlings were born for a very long time. Once the bird was listed as endangered, our government took action. By 1997, the Bald Eagle population was back, and the bird was delisted. The magnificent symbol of America was saved from the brink.
In the last 15 years, I have seen more eagles in Hillsboro, especially near Orenco Woods Nature Park, where two mated pairs return to nest yearly, and Jackson Bottom, where they are regulars. A mated pair flew into the ribbon-cutting ceremony when Mayor Tom Hughes dedicated the parklands, which became the Orenco Woods Nature Park, which I helped to create. Sitting atop a nearby fir tree, the two massive raptors watched as pronouncements were made and the Orenco Elementary Band played! It was a fantastic moment.
About four years later, the chickens out back of our shop started going wild. And I knew something was wrong. In a tree limb above them, there was a massive Bald Eagle trying to get into their pen, which had netting over the top. But he was not giving up. Even when I wanted to scare him off, he was not leaving. After a time, he did fly away, but not before I captured his beauty with the long lens on the Canon digital. This one I will never forget.
Then, last year, out at Jackson Bottom, I caught a beauty hunting ducks. The video I caught is long and not very clear, but this image tells the story of a lone and powerful hunter. This is one of many bald eagles that frequent the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve in Hillsboro. As I watched him, he nailed two ducks that day.
We all have a tremendous love for these massive birds. That is why I wanted to take some time out from the business of life and report on the beauty and this story of the saved Bald Eagle to join the rest of these raptors. Who knows, the bird saved in the story above may be one of these birds or their offspring. Thanks to everyone who helped save this Eagle’s life!
Readers Respond:
This beautiful Bald Eagle was seen at Thermo-Fisher at Dawson Creek Park area last week, and one of our readers sent the shot in for us to share:
Cedric Bouchet-marquis
