Community Corner
Bald Eagle Welcomed At Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Eagle is part of the Raptor Education Program
(SANC) is excited to announce the addition of a six-month-old female bald eagle to the Sky Hunters: Birds of Prey Raptor Education Program.
Although a name has not yet been given, the eagle is temporarily being referred to as “PA”, as she hales from the state of Pennsylvania. PA is one of 14 birds that make up the Raptor Education program, including several owls, falcons, hawks, a turkey vulture and an additional bald eagle.
PA’s journey from the wilds of Pennsylvania to a member of SANC’s feathered family was the result of a learned behavior that posed a concern for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Pennsylvania Law Enforcement.
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Wildlife specialists noted that PA had been left on her own earlier than normal and did not exhibit proficient hunting skills. She began relying on local fishermen for her meals and, as a result, she made a strong connection between humans and food. Posing a danger to humans who did not feed her at public picnicking areas, PA was brought in from the wild by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement to be placed permanently in captivity.
“We are thrilled to have the privilege of raising and caring for this wild, healthy female eagle,” said Diane Visty, Raptor Program manager. “Our successful Birds of Prey program at SANC is now further enhanced with the addition of this bold and spunky girl. We are excited to complete her initial training and show her off to the public as soon as possible.”
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PA will be incorporated into educational curriculum and general programming in the coming months. If you are interested in visiting PA or any of the other 13 birds of prey in SANC’s collection, SANC offers two public programs, Word with a Bird and Raptor Saturday, where raptor handlers showcase these feathered ambassadors to the community.
Programs are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and are free with SANC admission. The Sky Hunters program also reaches over 43,000 adults and children annually during school assemblies and community events, such as Wisconsin State Fair and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show.
