HILDEN, N.S. — The Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is looking for people who’d like to share some edibles with eagles.
At this time of year, the centre usually gets fish -primarily smelt- from local fishers, but this year the weather has prevented them from catching as many as usual. There’s empty space in the freezer and there are six eagles who should have fish daily.
“We’ll take any type,” said Murdo Messer, a co-founder of the CWRC. “The eagles aren’t too fussy, but they like variety, and fish are one of the main things they eat.
“We need whole fish because they don’t always recognize pieces as food. With juveniles, it’s good for them to see what food looks like in the wild.”
Sometimes other fish-eaters, such as gannets, osprey and cormorants are also brought to the centre.
A Facebook post, letting people know about the situation, brought in some donations from people with fish in their freezers.
“It shows the generosity of people in the community, which really keeps us going,” said Messer.
“If we have to buy fish at regular rates it takes a lot of our funds.”
People can take fish to the CWRC, at 2220 Irwin Lake Road, in Hilden, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays, or on Saturday and Sunday mornings. These should call 902-893-0253 to let someone know they’ll be coming. Pick-up can be arranged in some cases.
Donations of paper towels, nitrile and exam gloves, and old towels, sheets and pillow cases are also appreciated. Financial contributions are always helpful.
For more information, visit the CWRC website or Facebook page.
