Today I read the obituary of Harriet, one of the foremost ambassadors for Eagles and conservation of our heritage. Since 2000, Harriet was one of the Eagles at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota. She retired a year ago from public view. Recently she quit eating and as a result wasn't getting the pain medication she needed. The decision was made to end her suffering.
Harriet was unable to fly due to injuries after being hit by a car. Though unable to fly again, the flew into the hearts of so many who visited the center and got to meet her.
Harriet also traveled extensively. She'd been on the Today Show and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. There were many visits to VA Hospitals where she helped lift the spirits of veterans. Countless schoolchildren were able to see our country's symbol up close through Harriet's visits to them.
At 35 and having lived the first half of her life in the wild before being hit, Harriet was very long lived. Her visage graces many of Minnesota's license plates that are sold to raise money for preserving natural resources.
After reading of her death, I went to tell my wife about it. I found I was so choked up I could hardly talk and yes, some tears were shed. There are several other Eagles at the National Eagle Center to carry on Harriet's "work". Still she was a very special bird.
I'm attaching a picture I took a few years ago. She always had that feather sticking up on top of her head. It's a result of scarring from her injuries.
http://www.startribune.com/national-eagle-center-s-most-prominent-feathered-resident-dies/380970051/