For Eagle’s Sake

I wish to thank several involved in efforts to help rescue a bald eagle entangled somehow upside down in a tree yesterday (April 23). I was enroute to Holden Lutheran church where I serve as minister. It was about 8:15 a.m. and I was intent upon getting there early to do necessary preparations. Heading north from Isle, having just passed by Redemption Hill and turning east on 440th Street towards “old 30,” I noticed a large dark mass high in a tree to the right just after leaving Hwy 47. I pulled over, backed up and realized it was a bald eagle flopping upside down, somehow caught in the tree. There were a couple crows diving in and out as the eagle was at their mercy.

I knew I had to do something, but I also had to get up to Holden. It was early on a Sunday morning and I didn’t know who to call about this, thinking it wasn’t something 911 would handle. But then I called the Minnesota DNR Tipline emergency number and got to a live person, explained everything to him and he assured me he would get someone to help. I hated driving away at that point, but I had to get to the church. I prayed the whole way, having totally forgotten to take pictures of the scene that was emblazoned in my mind of this helpless yet sacred bird.

In a few moments I received a phone call from Tou Vang, Conservation Officer in Pierz (Morrison County). He was apparently the only CO on duty anywhere in the area on a Sunday morning. He said he would do what he could to get out there and assess the situation and get what help he could. I drove the rest of the way to Holden, grateful for the response and willingness but worried it might not be enough.

When I reached Holden, I tried to call the Mille Lacs Band DNR but could only access a message machine. It wasn’t exactly office hours. Then I thought of my friend Vivian LaMoore, who is the Public Information Officer for the Mille Lacs Band. I know how sacred Eagle is to native peoples and I called her immediately. If anyone knew who and how to reach someone on a Sunday morning who could help, it was her. She told me she would make calls right away.

I went inside and prepared for worship. Our little congregation assembled at 9:30 and I shared the situation during announcements and asked for their prayers. We included the eagle and any helpers in our prayers of the church later in the service. There was really nothing else we could do.

Later, about 11 a.m. on my way home, I drove past the scene. The place looked untouched, no signs of struggle and the eagle was gone. My heart leapt for joy and with relief.

I called Tou Vang and then Vivian, to thank whoever had helped. Turns out Tou had made it there with ladders and helpers, as did the sheriff’s office at some point (via Vivian’s efforts to find someone available), but apparently the eagle had already broken free.

We’ll never know what actually happened, how the eagle broke free, or what entangled it in the first place. Was it simply stuck between branches? Was there fishing line wound around talons that got snared? Who knows? And I feel a little foolish to not have snapped photos. But the efforts of all  --  including the Minnesota DNR, Mille Lacs Band leaders, Mille Lacs County and the prayers of a tiny congregation -- are still to be commended. I am thankful for the willingness of all to work together, to rise to the occasion and help this eagle regardless. It was the right thing to do.

And, as we Lutherans are fond of saying, “Thanks be to God!”

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Lyback

Wahkon area resident