JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- For just under 30 years, the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, community had the privilege of caring for disabled, non-releasable, Bald Eagles through an all-volunteer and community supported Eagle Aviary Program.
On Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, JBER’s resident eagles, Notch Wing and One-Eyed Jack, were taken to the Bird Treatment and Learning Center (Bird TLC) for diagnostic assessment of age-related symptoms.
“After extensive deliberation with avian veterinary experts with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bird TLC, the decision was made that the time had come for compassionate euthanasia for JBER’s eagles,” said Dr. Mark Prieksat, 673 Civil Engineer Squadron Deputy Commander. “Everyone involved in making the decision was heavy hearted. Team JBER will always be grateful for the years Notch Wing and One-eyed Jack buoyed the spirits of every Arctic Warrior who had the privilege of seeing them.”
One of the first Eagles brought to JBER on Oct. 7, 1991, was Notch Wing. He had sustained a gunshot wound to his left wing tip which impaired his ability to fly. In 1999, the facility received One-Eyed Jack who had also sustained a gunshot wound affecting his right humerus, (Right wing bone) and causing the loss of his left eye. Because his wing never fully healed, he also could not be released back into the wild.
The idea behind this beloved program originated from U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Kerry A. Seifert, then assigned to the 54th fighter squadron and a licensed Master Falconer, who often volunteered his off-time at the Bird TLC.
“It was here I saw a great need, consistent with the fighter squadron’s motto of “Eagle Keeper Country” and conceived the idea that the base could construct a facility with volunteers,” said Seifert. “The facility would provide housing and long-term convalescent care for the Eagles that could not be released back into the wild. My hope was that the facility would then enable the base populace and visitors to view our National Symbol, the Bald Eagle.”
After gaining the support of both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Alaska Region and Wing leadership, the creation of the 3rd Wing eagle cage began.
Although it took approximately two years of volunteer efforts to construct the building, their work was not overlooked. After completion, and in the fall of 1991, the group received their first few eagles from the Bird TLC. Notch Wing was among the first eagles to take up residence, and to date thousands of visitors, including distinguished visitors and foreign dignitaries, have visited the facility and enjoyed the opportunity to view these exquisite eagles up close.
“Despite Notch Wing’s and One-eyed Jack’s disabilities, their spirits were clearly not damaged,” said Seifert. “Anytime we had to handle them, their boldness, tenacity and take-charge personalities were unmistakable. Going back to our roots, it is apparent to me that even with the most recent transition from the F-15 Eagle to the F-22 Raptor, there is a striking similarity between our eagles and the fighter squadrons of today: neither one recognizes a superior in the air.”
Although the aviary is now vacant, discussions have begun for continuing educational efforts of the Elmendorf Eagle Keepers. To find out more, visit their official page at: https://www.facebook.com/elmendorfeaglekeepers/?ref=page_internal
USFWS Alaska Region shared praise for the eagles and those who lovingly cared for them over the last three decades.
“We appreciate all of the efforts and the long-term care JBER's volunteer staff provided Notch Wing and One-Eyed-Jack for many, many years,” said Jordan J. Muir, USFWS Alaska Region, Migratory Bird Management Raptor and Permit Chief. “They lived a full life and I'm sure the education and outreach they enabled over the years will have a significant impact on eagle conservation throughout the country for many years to come. The volunteers who helped provide this work and care for the birds have our heartfelt thanks.”
This deep sense of gratitude for the birds lives and for the sacrifices made by their many, faithful caretakers was also expressed inside JBER’s gates.
“Having been a part of this installation for almost three decades, Notch and Jack cemented their legacy as valued members of our family,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Travolis Simmons, 3rd Wing Commander. “Their presence was a unique part of the JBER experience, and would not have been possible without the efforts of the countless volunteers who sustained the program. We are thankful for the time we had with Notch and Jack and equally thankful for that community of volunteer caretakers.”