April 11, 2014

Chickadee Checkoff Helps With Release Of Golden Eagle In Western Maine

NORTHERN OXFORD COUNTY, Maine -- A young Golden Eagle was released in northern Oxford County last week after 3 months of clinical care and rehabilitation at Avian Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Freedom, Maine. Biologists from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and New Hampshire Audubon Society joined Avian Haven staff and local cooperators to release the eagle. This is the first successful release into the wild among only 6 Golden Eagles physically recovered in Maine during the last 40 years. In contrast, over 2,500 different Bald Eagles were handled in the same time period by biologists, wardens, and cooperators. The bird was found in a weakened, flightless state near Boothbay, ME on December 29. Blood tests revealed symptoms of anemia and elevated lead levels.
Care for this golden eagle and many other species with voluntary contributions such as the ?Chickadee Checkoff? on individual tax returns and a portion of proceeds from the loon and sportsman?s license plate. These voluntary contributions are used as matching funds to leverage federal monies that are only available with matching funds. Look for the ?Chickadee Checkoff? on Schedule CP of your tax reform if you have not yet filed your Maine income tax returns! For more on the Chickadee Checkoff, please visit: http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/support/chickadeecheckoff.htm For more on golden eagles in Maine, please visit: http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/species/birds/goldeneagle.html