In the spring of 2005 a lady observed the aerial combat of two Bald Eagles in a field north of Boulder. After numerous violent physical interactions the birds ended up on the ground with their talons locked into each other’s bodies.
A call from Boulder Animal Control officers, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife about the arrival of the two birds gave me some preliminary warning of the situation. The birds arrived wrapped into blankets and tarps like Siamese twins. They were quiet, and I assume both were in shock, not realizing what had happened. Their combat had ended in a state of ceasefire, but neither bird seemed to understand the mutual confinement they imposed on each other. They were docile and did not need to be anesthetized. There was no flexing of talons, no aggression; they were absolutely passive. Their heads were covered with towels and we methodically attempted to ‘disengage’ the powerful weapons they use in their everyday life.
I named them the Gladiators after Crassus and Spartacus, who were mortal enemies in their time in Roman history.
One talon at a time was pried from the body of the oppposing bird. There were wounds to the chest, the lower body cavity, legs and feet.
Wounds were cleaned and medicated topically. We administered no other systemic antibiotics or treatment beyond good, wholesome fresh food, minimum handling and careful observation. When the first bird was freed of the restraint of his involuntary partner, he was placed into a cage to rest and regain his dignity. The other bird was placed in another room, away from his opponent, also to adjust and finally to relax. Basically, they were both were put in jail for their extreme behavior. They were the bad boys that needed to be rehabilitated.
Both birds were quiet and seemed to be appreciative of the care they received. They obeyed the house rules, eating their meals and accepting the care they received. They bowed to their punishment of captivity and were exceptional inmates, soon to be eligible for probation.
Spartacus, who only had injuries to his belly and leg was the first to be moved into the “Exercise Yard” = Flight Cage. The control band on his leg read “U1″ The records revealed that he was a four year old male, banded in 2001 at the Standly Lake nest, south of Boulder, in Jefferson County. Spartacus was always on his best behavior, exercising and pleading to go free soon.
Those mighty talons now belong to one bird only
He was released three weeks after his recovery, mind you, still on probation. Shortly before arriving at the place of his recovery, the bird panicked and thrashed in his cage. What must have gone through his mind? Something like “Oh no, let us not repeat this ordeal again??!!”
When I took him out of his carrier I gave him ample time to look around, so he could make sure there was no enemy in the area. When I let him go, his departure was defined by strong, self-assured wing beats as he cruised across a field to land in a tree. Soon afterwards he chose a course north, along the Front Range.
Eventually Crassus recovered from his chest injury and arrived at the “Exercise Yard.” Spartacus had already be released. He too was a perfect inmate, on his best behavior, relieved to have escaped his opponent. When his flight was strong and perfect, he too was released at the “Scene of the Crime”, two weeks after Spartacus. He flew confidently and remained in the area.
Who won the battle? Is it Crassus, who may establish a territory and attract a female to the area one day; or is it Spartacus, the juvenile warrior, whose band read “U1″ , translated into “You Won”?
May both of these magnificent birds prosper and thrive, and may they not ever meet again in the future. For now, they are still on probation. Watch out boys! I am here!
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