Bald Eagle with Facial Abnormality

Observation: King Salmon, Alaska, June 16, 2013 (bird) An eagle was spotted by Joni O'Domin at Monsen Park in King Salmon with a large growth on its right eye. They were wondering what the growth on the Eagle could possibly be? Oxcenia O'Domin

LEO says: This observation has been forwarded to the Alaska Raptor Center.

Resources:

Alaska Department of Fish and Game – "Juvenile bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are often confused with golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). Where the two species coexist, the bald eagle is distinguished by a lack of feathers on its lower legs and a whitish lining on the forward part of its wings."

Alaska Science Center – Alaska Raptor Group, "Thirty-one raptor species, including 18 species of diurnal raptors (Orders Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) and 13 species of owls (Order Strigiformes), have been documented in Alaska, 23 of which are known to breed within the state. For conservation purposes, Boreal Partners in Flight categorizes raptors as "landbirds," along with songbirds, woodpeckers, and birds from several other families, because of their strong associations with terrestrial habitats. Many raptors are migratory or nomadic, spending nearly half their lives outside of Alaska, often in rapidly changing habitats. Resident species face unique challenges including the cascading effects of a rapidly warming and changing climate." Source: USGS ASC Boreal Partners in Flight