A dead tree in North Saanich is making international headlines because of its residents.
The tree is home to the pair of eagles dubbed Ma and Pa Sidney, and followed by thousands online through a web camera hosted by Hancock Wildlife. The tale of their firstborn for the season — named Flyer by the students of Sidney elementary — and his big toe, captured audiences around the world.
Flyer, who lives in the West Saanich Road nest with his siblings Snuggles and Burrows (also named by the local kids), became ensnared in fishing line last Sunday and online viewers were desperate to have him released.
“I’m a biologist; I want nature to take it’s normal course but this isn’t normal course,” said biologist David Hancock, who installed his first nest camera six years ago. “This is partly our fault so I think we have an obligation.”
With a potential for the eaglet to perish, Hancock was in a hurry. The dead tree couldn’t be climbed and a helicopter was discounted because of the draft it would cause. After going back and forth on ideas, he found a crane operator who could use mats to get the heavy equipment into the boggy area surrounding the tree.
Last Thursday afternoon a crowd of media watched as the guys put the crane into place, then Hancock and Jeff Krieger, of Alternative Wildlife Solutions, lifted off to the sound of applause.
As the eagle parents soared, and soared in loops around the tree, the pair removed Flyer and Krieger inspected the injury.
“It was just a noose, really tight noose that had tightened up to the point where it was constricting the digit. Basically all it needed was to be loosened off and removed,” Krieger said. The toe was still warm, and damage minimal so they returned the eaglet to the nest.
The response on the blog was instant as eagle fans watched the entire process on the nest cam.
Hancock — who’s called the baby eagle Donald since before the official naming — said Flyer should now thrive and suffer no ill will from human contact.
“Eagles have no sense of smell, that’s why they’re able to eat carrion and rotten fish,” Hancock said. “Smell doesn’t bother eagles and they have no worry about smelling human scent.”
“I have got the goofiest smile on my face at the moment. Want to cry … but I’m just so darn happy and proud of everyone,” posted Eaglewatcher on the blog.
A cybercheer went up as Hancock cleaned the cameras leaving a clear image of the feathered family.
Watch North Saanich’s favourite reality show online at www.hancockwildlife.org.
