Answer to What is This?

Are you ready for the answer? It is an alula feather from Darner, the American kestrel. Here is a photo of that feather, and an alula from Maxime the bald eagle. Both feathers are used in the same ways by each bird, but what a difference in size! Thank you to all who checked in.

This article is an example of how alula feathers are used in flight.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas…/2015/…/150605103008.htm

What is This?

What is this? We will take any suggestions - what species is it from, what type of feather is it, and any other observations. (And yes, it is real. And yes, it is from one of TRC's education birds.) We'll post the answer later today.

Update on "Freedom" Bald Eagle, August 8

"Freedom" in his flight pen.

 "Freedom", the bald eagle admitted to TRC's clinic after hanging upside down by a leg for at least two days over the 4th of July weekend, had a check-up recently. 

He is perching more consistently now and the soft tissue injury to his leg is healing nicely. He has a great appetite and after eating dinner, often takes a dip in his bath pan with great enthusiasm!  We remain cautiously optimistic on “Freedom’s” progress.

This is the material removed from around "Freedom's" leg.

Your gifts to support the expertise that TRC will provide him, and other young eaglets who also need second chances at life, will make a huge impact.