5 days Ago
A greater spotted eagle , a vulnerable species that migrated to Israel from Russia, was found injured near Acre, likely after a mid-flight mishap. The bird, weak, dehydrated, underweight, and with a damaged wing, was spotted in a field by Matan Avraham, an IDF reservist . His quick action saved the eagle's life.
Avraham, home on leave from extended reserve duty, was hiking near Nahal Na’aman with his five children when he noticed a large bird surrounded by mongooses in a nearby field. “When I got closer, the eagle tried to fly but couldn’t,” he recalled. The frightened bird fled into a stream, prompting a rescue mission in full view of his children.
3 View gallery The greater spotted eagle ( Photo: Tamar Harel ) “It took nearly an hour to catch it,” said Avraham. “The eagle was exhausted, which finally allowed me to approach, cover its eyes, and carry it out of the water.” His children played a role too, gently holding the frightened bird until they arrived home in Ahihud.
Avraham contacted Israel’s wildlife rescue hotline, and Nir Nedivi, a volunteer, arrived to transport the bird. She discovered it was a greater spotted eagle ringed in Moscow, further highlighting its remarkable journey. The eagle was then taken to the Wildlife Hospital at the Safari Ramat Gan.
X-rays revealed two bullets lodged in the eagle’s elbow, likely fired by hunters. Dr. Emanuela Gatto, a veterinarian at the hospital, said the injuries were consistent with an older gunshot wound, possibly inflicted in Lebanon or by illegal hunters in Israel.
3 View gallery The injured eagle before he was rescued ( Photo: Matan Avraham ) “The eagle couldn’t fly and became too weak to survive on its own,” Gatto explained. Fortunately, no fractures were found, increasing its chances of recovery. The eagle is currently in intensive care, being tube-fed twice daily and receiving rehabilitative treatment to regain strength and weight.
Once stable, the hospital staff will assess its flight capabilities and begin rehabilitating its injured wing. 3 View gallery A ring of the eagle's leg ( Photo: Nir Nedivi ) As for Avraham, he has returned to military duty, but the unexpected rescue has left him with a civilian tale to tell. “We were on our way to a hike, and it interrupted our plans, but saving it was worth it,” he said.
According to Israel’s Birding Portal, the greater spotted eagle is a medium-to-large bird of prey with a wingspan of 164–181 cm and a weight of 1.5–3.2 kg.
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