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WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Bald Eagle rescued at Don Armeni Boat Ramp

February 25, 2021 5:17 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

(Photo by Stewart L.)

5:17 PM: Thanks for the tips and photos! Wildlife advocates and state/local officers teamed up this afternoon to help a possibly injured or ill Bald Eagle at Don Armeni Boat Ramp.

(This photo and next by David Hutchinson)

One neighbor explains that he observed the eagle spending a long time just hanging out on the ground, moving very little even with people nearby – that’s unusual behavior. Wildlife advocate Kersti Muul told us, “It was flying short distances as they were chasing it but it did not want to fly. Its tail looked like it might be a little off.” It was captured for transport to PAWS:

David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network says his group got a call about the eagle being on the lawn at the park; “Seal Sitters assisted in taping off the area. A number of calls had been made and Fish & Wildlife Police dispatched two officers. They eventually captured the eagle and provided transport to PAWS for examination and possible rehab. Special thanks to the passersby who took an interest in helping this eagle and to Seattle Parks and the Seattle Police Department, who quickly responded and helped monitor and secure the area.”

11:12 PM: Kersti says she’s been told a vet will examine the eagle tomorrow. Meantime, she sent photos from this afternoon too:

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23 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Bald Eagle rescued at Don Armeni Boat Ramp"

  • Heartless? February 25, 2021 (5:21 pm)

    Hopefully this beautiful bird is not sick with the Salmonellosis poisoning going around.

  • Nongame birder February 25, 2021 (5:51 pm)

    Many thanks for the fast response of local, dedicated public and non-profit folks . What was WDFW response for assistance when contacted? Seems they rarely respond to requests for assistance involving suspect injured or entrapped non-game wildlife species, including eagles, ospreys, falcons but delegate responsibility for assistance  to  handful of licensed wildlife rehabilitation offices that are overwhelmed and understaffed to reach out to others for assistance which often results in frustration for concerned citizens expecting better response from our local wildlife management agency. can you find/provide contact list for public seeking assistance for similar situation involving non-game bird species needing assistance. 

  • downed bird February 25, 2021 (7:35 pm)

    Thanks to the rescuers, and hope they recover and fly again soon 💛

  • s drew February 25, 2021 (7:35 pm)

    Rad Mohawk

  • MARIANNE February 25, 2021 (8:01 pm)

    Thank you to all involved with the rescue of this majestic eagle.

  • Kelly February 25, 2021 (9:48 pm)

    I love what you do.  Thank so very much.  I was wondering if you can help out a very friendly seagull that hangs out at Marination Ma Kai  at Harbor Island, alki.  It has string that is tied to both legs but at least it is able to fly and looks healthy.   We first noticed it on January 7th 2021 and the string is still tied to both feet. It alway lands on a landmark sign looking South of Marination Ma Kai at the start of the dock.Kelly

    • Kersti Muul February 26, 2021 (7:43 am)

      I tried capturing this gull months ago, but it is very wary. It was also being fed by fishermen along with the heron.It can walk, swim, fly and fish. I observes it multiple times catch small bait fish in the bay. The material is soft and not tightly bound to either leg, fortunately. I fear it will catch on something and it will get stuck. I hope the material disintegrates over time. May try to capture again another time.

      • Lynn Shimamoto February 26, 2021 (12:21 pm)

        Folks can also help by picking up and disposing of fishing line, hooks and plastic, often found at the Seacrest pier.  There are many birds along Alki with deformed or missing feet, having been snared in gear or plastic bags.  

        • Kersti Muul February 26, 2021 (4:04 pm)

          Yes. Lynn is correct. This is probably the best thing we can all do.

      • Sharon February 26, 2021 (3:45 pm)

        Kristi,Poor seagull. If you want some help, feel free to DM me on IG @seashazAnd if you hear how the eagle is doing, please let us know. I compared the above photo to ones of our local residents that built the nest above Salty’s & don’t think it’s one of them. Sure hope it makes a full recovery. 

        • Kersti Muul February 26, 2021 (4:06 pm)

          If you can check to see if the pair is there (both) that would be great. I’m letting the vet know ASAP if it is a mated one

          • Sharon February 26, 2021 (4:50 pm)

            Sorry can’t run over there right now but I think we have to assume it could have a mate. The residents aren’t always at their nest or visible if deep inside but judging from beak & face markings,I think this a younger adult than the pair. If I see them, I’ll let you know. 

  • CJ February 25, 2021 (9:49 pm)

    Thanks to everyone involved in the rescue!  I hope the Eagle recovers and we can be updated on it’s progress.  

  • Elle Nell February 25, 2021 (11:59 pm)

    I love how Mr. Heron was watching from afar… keeping an eye on his Eagle friend 🖤

    • WSCurmudgeon February 26, 2021 (3:21 am)

      If you’re referring to the 1st picture on the page, I think it’s a Pelagic Cormorant, but it may be a Great Blue Heron.   While I realize your comment is light-hearted, the facts are that Bald Eagles predate  Great Blue Heron and cormorant chicks, their eggs and on occasion, adult birds.   The decline in the heron population may in part be because of the growth in the eagle population.  The eagles aren’t “at fault.”  They’re predators, and have in many cases been driven from traditional nesting sites away from the water by construction which destroys the large trees they need for nests, which puts them into proximity with the water birds.

  • Alki-Holic February 26, 2021 (6:59 am)

    The bald eagle & the elusive mo’ hawk…🦅

  • anonyme February 26, 2021 (7:07 am)

    Kudos to the young woman who did the capture.  Risky business.  Hoping for a good outcome for the eagle.

  • Kathy February 26, 2021 (9:04 am)

    I believe that’s Mr. Cormorant

  • Diane Fields February 26, 2021 (9:28 am)

    Such a beautiful bird.  Hope for healing if it was hurt.  

  • Brenda February 26, 2021 (11:43 am)

    A special thank you to the Seattle Police Officer who logged to this call and worked quickly with his outside agency contacts for the sake of this Eagle !!! Great job everyone !!!! 

  • Cindy February 26, 2021 (2:22 pm)

    I want to thank the Fish and Wildlife Officer who so carefully and competently captured and helped the eagle.  Well done!  And, I love the hair!  Thanks for all you do!

  • Jen February 26, 2021 (4:34 pm)

    I want to know more about the wonder woman with the pink mohawk. What an exciting job to have, wrangling injured bald eagles!

    • waikikigirl February 26, 2021 (8:24 pm)

      The duties of the F&W Officers are much more than just rescuing injured eagles. 
      Duties of the Fish and Wildlife Officer      Years ago, people called the Fish and Wildlife Officer a game warden. The new name of officer goes along with the many new duties they are required to perform.

      • One of the primary jobs of the Fish and Wildlife Officer is to enforce all wildlife laws.
      • In addition, the Fish and Wildlife Officer has the authority to enforce all other laws in the state.
      • The Fish and Wildlife Officer assists other Department of Fish and Wildlife staff in collecting information on game and fish management, habitat improvement projects, etc.
      • The Fish and Wildlife Officer also serves as a spokesperson for the Department of Wildlife in the community.
      • The Fish and Wildlife Officer attends sports club meetings, hunter education classes, and other community activities.

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