Golden Eagle named Spirit

This photo was taken on 20 July 2014, at an exhibit that was brought to Bow Valley Provincial Park. Though I have seen a number of Golden Eagles in the wild, they have always been very distant.

I intended posting this weeks ago, but other things just got in the way. Felt it was still important to post, as Spirit was loved by so many people. I’m still disgusted knowing that a human being could pick up a gun and shoot such a majestic bird of prey, back in early 2007. As a result, he was taken to the Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre near Lethbridge, where he remained until recently, serving as an educational Ambassador.

From the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, Coaldale, near Lethbridge, posted on 30 January 2015:

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Spirit our beloved Golden Eagle.

Spirit passed away suddenly several weeks ago after contracting an acute respiratory infection, which was most likely exacerbated by his longstanding gunshot injuries. He was taken to the Calgary Avian and Exotic Pet Clinic, and treated by their caring staff, but sadly he didn’t make the trip home.

Spirit was brought the Centre in early 2007 with gunshot wounds to his head and chest. Due to the severity and location of the head wound, Spirit gradually lost his ability to see. Suffering from permanent blindness, he was left unable to care for himself and so began his life as an educational ambassador at the Centre.

Spirit and his story of strength and survival touched the hearts of thousands of people from across the world, and we know he will be greatly missed by all. His absence at the Centre is felt by the staff every day. We are devastated by his loss.
Farewell Spirit, Piita, may you return to the skies, gracefully soaring forever in peace.”

Ian Tyson, Canadian singer-songwriter, recorded a song written by grade 1 and 2 students at Calgary Arts Academy, who wrote a song to cheer up a golden eagle named Spirit.

youtu.be/-s52Jikk-5k

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Tyson

Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre website:

www.burrowingowl.com/

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To any local photographer who has been enjoying seeing and photographing the tiny Northern Pygmy-owls:

Called in briefly at the park yesterday afternoon, Saturday, 28 February 2015. Yellow tape was put across the entrances to one of the more popular places that the tiny Northern Pygmy-owls like, so you can only get very distant views, if at all, from there now. This is to prevent people from getting closer to the owls and "disturbing" them - though anyone I've seen in the park (except for two people on one occasion) has been respectful towards the owl. The conservation officers are also particularly concerned with the people who spend a lot of time there or who get there early in the morning and stay for many hours/all day, which I'm not interested in doing at all. About two hours maximum is my limit. Hopefully, everyone will take notice of the closure and stay out of the area, otherwise further restrictions could be put in place, spoiling things for anyone who might happen to go to the park!