Laddie
Bald Eagle Ambassador
Female
2014 / Nestling
Severe left wing injuries
About Laddie
Laddie had severe injuries to her left-wing after being pulled from the nest by a Golden Eagle. The Golden Eagle was unable to carry her and dropped her, damaging her wing. She received a blood transfusion prior to her arrival and a second one at Liberty with Lady Liberty (a Bald Eagle in residence) as the donor. Her injuries were too severe to repair, limiting Laddie’s ability to fly.
Description
The bald eagle is a large raptor easily identified by their white heads and tails. Juveniles look more like golden eagles because they do not gain the trademark white head and tail until they reach five years old.
Habitat
Bald eagles nest in forested areas near large bodies of water. To perch they prefer mature coniferous or deciduous trees that give them a wide view of their turf.
Range
The bald eagle is found only in North America from Alaska through Canada and the United States to Northern Mexico
Life Span
In the wild bald eagles can live between 20-30 years. Some eagles in captivity have lived up to 50 years.
Prey / Food
Their primary food is fish (alive or dead) but they will also take waterfowl and other birds and mammals such as hares, rabbits, and rats. They have also been known to steal fish from humans and ospreys.
Babies / Nests
Eagles lay 1 – 4 eggs in a clutch but usually only have two. The eggs hatch in about 34 days. Juveniles fledge (learn to fly) in about 10 – 12 weeks. Bald eagle nests are large, built in the highest trees and near water.
Native American Connnections
Eagle with his powerful wings can effortlessly soar through the skies, evoking a sense of freedom and fearlessness. Eagle figures prominently as a Spirit Animal to nearly all Native people. In most tribes, Eagle is considered a medicine bird with supernatural powers and plays a major role in the religious ceremonies of those tribes.
Hopis consider Eagle as a guardian of the earth and a symbol of divine protection. They believe that Eagle’s sharp vision helps it detect any threats to the planet and its inhabitants. They also believe Eagle represents strength and courage. The Sioux believe Wambli (Eagle) is the strongest and bravest of all birds. For this reason, its feathers symbolize what is highest, bravest, strongest, and holiest. Eagle has strong medicine – it represents courage and bravery. To Apache’s the eagle is known as the master of the sky and represents fearlessness and determination. It is believed that by wearing eagle feathers or carrying an eagle feather fan, one can harness the bird’s strength and courage. These feathers are incorporated into ceremonial and dance regalia, serving as a reminder of the Eagle’s powerful qualities. The golden eagle, also known as the "war eagle," is associated with warriors and courage in battle. Golden eagle feathers earned by Plains Indians as war honors were worn in their feather headdresses. This practice continues to this day, and Eagle feathers are still given to Native soldiers returning from war or Natives who have achieved a great accomplishment The Hopi Eagle Dancer Kachina symbolizes strength, power, and freedom. It is revered as a messenger between the heavens and the earth, conveying prayers to the spiritual realm. The Eagle Dancer is believed to be close to the divine and serves as a protector. Eagle Dancer Kachina dolls hold a special place in the history of the Hopi. Their creation and use in rituals underscore Eagle’s significance in connecting the Hopi people with their cultural heritage. The most prized eagle feather for all Native peoples are those that come from the tail of a juvenile first year golden eagle. In this plumage the young golden eagle tail has a large white base with dark spotting. As the golden eagle matures the white base, and spotting disappears, and the tail feathers turn to a dark brown. These feathers are beautiful, spiritually powerful, and rare. Native Americans call these young juvenile golden eagles – Spotted Eagles.© 2025 Liberty Wildlife - Privacy Policy