Calabogie bald eagle rescue becomes once-in-a-lifetime experience for Greater Madawaska family

Jenna McEwan says her impulsive decision to help a local rescue group led to an up-close and unforgettable encounter with a rare bird.

McEwan, who works with the township of Greater Madawaska, says the decision to answer a call for help from the volunteer rescue group Safe Wings Ottawa to save a downed bald eagle in Calabogie took all of about 5 minutes, as she and her family made an impromptu road trip to locate and secure the obviously frightened bird.

After gently coaxing the bird, which McEwan’s young son has named Charlie, into their car, the family made a second trip into Ottawa, where Safe Wings would diagnose Charlie as hypothermic, dehydrated, and in significant pain from what was likely a serious incident.

Charlie is now being stabilized and doing well in recovery with the Owl Foundation, who handle long-term care for injured raptors. Meanwhile, McEwan says the once-in-a-lifetime experience is one that her son is still reveling in, as the rescue has become a hot topic within the community.

McEwan admits that the evening was unlike anything she had taken part in over 20 years in helping local animal rescue efforts, but she is ready for the next call should Safe Wings or another group ask for her help.