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Battered but determined, the bald eagle recently rescued in Bastrop County is making steady progress at Austin Wildlife Rescue despite lingering concerns over lasting wing damage.
The bird of prey was first discovered near Smithville Dec. 15 with a compound fracture and a substantial f lesh wound around its wing. After a twohour journey by a Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden, the eagle was rushed to the rehabilitation facility, where a veterinarian performed emergency orthopedic surgery.
A metal rod was inserted into the broken ulna to stabilize the fracture, according to Jules Maron, organization director.
“The eagle is alert, eating well and regaining strength,” she said.
Daily bandage changes have been administered to manage the large wound area, and the team continues to monitor its progress closely.
Although the wound is healing, staff are now watching for signs of complications.
“As we see the flesh wound healing, it appears the feather follicles may have been damaged, which could potent ial ly prevent feathers from growing back properly,” Maron added.
In addition, early signs of bone devitalization have been observed — likely a result of the length of time the bone was exposed before treatment — raising concerns that a portion of the fractured bone may not fully heal, according to the group.
The eagle remains under intensive care as the rescue team balances its medical needs with quality of life.
While the creature is currently confined to a crate to ensure proper healing, officials expect that it may soon be allowed to stretch its wings. However, full rehabilitation will likely take several months, recent reports said.
Maron prev iously noted that “feathers are the longest thing to wait on — sometimes it can take up to a year.”
Due to high pathogenic avian influenza, the facility is following strict quarantine protocols to protect both birds and mammals from potential exposure. As a result, visitors are not permitted in the eagle’s quarters.
“Working with these incredible birds and witnessing their strength, intelligence and grace firsthand is such a privilege. We have so much respect for these animals, and we do everything in our power to get them back to their rightful place in the wild,” Maron said.
In keeping with facility policy to preserve the wild nature of its patients, the eagle remains unnamed.
Visit austinwildliferescue. org to support recovery efforts and learn more. Keep up with the Courier for ongoing updates.
