QUECHEE, VT – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announces the addition of three new wild birds as permanent residents: two Bald Eagles and a Northern Harrier. All three are out on exhibit, offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity to observe these wild birds up close.
The two Bald Eagles, Wyoming and Minnesota, were transferred to VINS from the Vermont Museum of Natural History in Marlboro, VT. Wyoming, a female eagle hatched before 2007, was originally rescued by Ironside Bird Rescue in Cody, Wyoming after suffering a broken wing when struck by a truck on the highway. This injury permanently impaired her flight capabilities.
Minnesota, a male eagle hatched in 2013, was rehabilitated by The Raptor Center in Bloomington, MN following trauma to his left wing from an unknown incident. The resulting permanent nerve damage prevents his successful release into the wild. Wyoming and Minnesota were previously housed together and will continue to share an exhibit space at VINS.
In late February, VINS welcomed a Northern Harrier named Addison to the exhibit space as well. Addison had been recovering in the Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation at VINS for several months. Hatched in 2024, Addison is still in juvenile plumage and believed to be female. After being hit by a car, Addison sustained brain damage and trauma to their left eye, making survival in the wild impossible.
Addison’s recovery presented challenges when they required assisted feeding for weeks due to their injuries and the tendency of Northern Harriers to be reluctant eaters in captivity. When their prospects appeared uncertain, the team implemented an innovative solution by introducing another Northern Harrier and a current VINS exhibit ambassador, Erie, to temporarily share Addison’s space. This strategic pairing triggered Addison’s natural competitive instincts, successfully encouraging them to begin eating independently. Now thriving in the permanent exhibit space with Erie, Addison eats daily without assistance.
VINS invites the public to visit these remarkable birds and learn their inspiring stories of resilience. The Nature Center is open daily.