C52 in 2006

Veterinarian Visits

According to veterinarian and avian diplomate Dr. Sammy Vaughn, Bald Eagle C52 is doing GREAT. Stonefield Associates and Dr. Vaughn’s team attend to all the health needs of DNR, Patoka’s birds of prey. On October 3^rd, eagle had his talons trimmed. You see, an animal in captivity presents some challenges that may not be widely evident in the natural habitat of that animal. Bald eagle, due to the inability to fly and utilize a variety of perches and uses of his talons, has a tendency sometimes to grow long talons and not to wear off in the natural manner. This wild bald eagle does NOT act well to visiting the vet, being held on a table, while his talons are trimmed or being subjected to other check-up procedure. It is yet another day in the life of a captive bald eagle. When returning to Patoka, the 2 naturalists returned C52 back to his night shelter, offered him a pool of water. Yes, he took a bath, took the food offered and was back in his familiar space.

Indiana State Fair 2006

Eagle traveled with Patoka’s two naturalists to the Indiana State Fair on Wednesday, August 9^th for a 4p.m. program. This special presentation featured both the eagle and barred owl of Patoka, as well as the NEW features of the backyard ampitheater and pool of the DNR building, Indianapolis Fairgrounds. Bald Eagle C52 did jump or bate off the glove a number of times during the program, due in great part to unfamiliar surroundings and sounds. Many fair goers enjoyed a close-up look at a wild bald eagle. (photo of c52 at fair)

Programs at Patoka

Due to the new backyard viewing area build in 2004, Bald Eagle C52 and Barred Owl continue to delight many visitors as they stroll through the Patoka Lake Visitor Center backyard gardens. Check out the renovated gardens and two amazing birds. Conner Brosmer enjoys visiting the birds at Patoka. (photo of Conner)

Patoka Lake Visitor Center is undergoing renovation to the roof and indoors of the main building. If you are planning a visit, please stop by and take a look. Bald Eagle and Barred Owl will be in the backyard viewing area except for holidays and Sundays through the winter.

Maintenance is an ongoing project at Patoka. Keeping areas clean and tidy, feeding schedule, care and handling all are daily tasks for DNR employees and occasional volunteers. Here volunteer David Crecelius blows the Autumn leaves off the raptor shelters. Barred Owl enjoys her shelter darkened by the leaf cover as a “nocturnal” creature by nature. Eagle prefers the daylight as he is a “diurnal” bird, active during the day, resting at night.