Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – FriYay/Good News

Fairbanks Airport Police and Fire Department

 

Today’s good news comes from The News Tribune in Tacoma, Washington.

A bald eagle was found ‘frozen’ and unable to fly. See the rescue with the ‘best ending ever.’

Story by Sara Schilling

First responders in Alaska had an unusual overnight guest: a juvenile bald eagle needing help.

A good Samaritan came across the “quite frozen” eagle that couldn’t fly on the evening of Jan. 11 and waved over a Fairbanks International Airport police officer, the Fairbanks Airport Police and Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post.

According to the post, after checking with the Alaska Raptor Center, first responders put the eagle in a patrol car to keep it out of the cold.

A quote from the Facebook post “Dispatch, we’ve got one detained…
While we normally wouldn’t release the name of those we take into protected custody, we figured this time it would be ok!
One of our officers was flagged down this evening by a Good Samaritan who found a juvenile bald eagle who was quite frozen and unable to fly. After consulting with representatives of the Alaska Raptor Center, the decision was made to secure the little guy or gal in the backseat of the patrol car till it could thaw out and get dry. It’s now resting peacefully in a dark, quiet corner of the station until tomorrow when representatives from Alaska Fish & Game and the US Fish & Wildlife Service help us release it back to the wild as long as it’s not showing signs of illness or injury. (Hint…keep an eye our page tomorrow) 😉

The eagle spent the night munching on fatty steak and salmon and “resting peacefully in a dark, quiet corner of the station,” officials said.

Officials said the eagle was assessed with help from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and it was determined to be in great shape.

The Fairbanks Airport Police and Fire Department said in a follow-up Facebook post on Jan. 12 that the bird was released back into the wild, declaring it “the best ending ever.”

Here is that post, which you need to log into Facebook to view.  https://www.facebook.com/fairbanksairportpoliceandfire/videos/2081709672272277 

The post included a video.

“Oh yeah, he soars,” someone said as the eagle fled.

Another person said, “He’s super strong. That’s wonderful.”

In the follow-up Facebook post, officials thanked “everyone who showed concern, especially the Good Samaritan who called in the frozen bird and helped (rescue) it. We wish every day could be as exciting as this one was!”

The good news in this story is that someone cared enough to report a bird in distress, and as a result, it was saved. Today’s JohnKu talks about involvement. I hope you have a great weekend.

Action by John W. Howell © 2024

Heroes can’t explain,

Why they jumped into action. . .

Involvement is key.

96 comments

  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    Wonderful news, John! I appreciate how everyone here is helping together to give quick help. Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Michael. Always good to see folks helping on a common cause. Have a great weekend.

      Like

  2. GP's avatar

    Outstanding, John!! That Good Samaritan was on the ball to not only spot the eagle, but went to the police for help.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I was impressed that the police took the situation seriously. All ended well. Thanks, GP.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. GP's avatar

        I would think Alaska has a few operations that are different than ours.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Maybe kinder gentler.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. GP's avatar

          Yes. They need each other to survive in some places. I see in upstate NY, 1st responders saved a moose that feel into a lake thru thin ice.

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          That would be a tough assignment for sure. Thanks, GP.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. GP's avatar

          Yes, their reply to a similar questions, “Yes (haha) there’s no handbook for that!”

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          404 error on Google too.

          Liked by 2 people

  3. Dave Williams's avatar

    Fantastic involvement all around, and I like that the official called the day exciting. Must’ve been quite a difference to have an eagle at the police station!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It impressed me that the police took action. Thanks, Dave.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Glad they saved it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too. I’m glad the police took the matter seriously.

      Like

  5. Darlene's avatar

    I love stories like this! My daughter volunteers for Wildlife Rescue on her island off the coast of BC. She once saved an injured baby eagle. They are powerful birds even as babies.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes they are. Good for her, Darlene.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    That’s great news, John. It’s wonderful that a police department would do such a humanitarian thing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Tim. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    It seems that when the heart is tugged, miracles can happen. What a beautiful story, John. Thank you for sharing it. Great Johnku as well!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. I enjoyed your post today as well. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Teri Polen's avatar

    This put a smile on my face – love stories like this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too, Teri. Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

      Like

  9. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    I love a Good Samaritan story!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too, Liz. Especially when the police respond in a positive way.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. lois's avatar

    Such a heartwarming story. Bless those who help others who cannot help themselves.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Amen, Lois. Well said.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. shoreacres's avatar

    Years ago, one of our police officers helped us capture a pelican that was walking the neighborhood. It turned out to be blind in one eye, and unable to fish. In the end, it began a new life at Moody Gardens, where it’s apparently still living the pelican version of la dolce vita.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Great story, Linda. Thanks for sharing it today. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Almost Iowa's avatar

    You have to wonder how he got himself in that state in the first place, but all is well that ends well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Sleeping off a night on the town.

      Like

  13. robbiesinspiration's avatar

    What a great piece of news, John 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love it, Robbie. Glad you did too.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Esther Chilton's avatar

    What an amazing story! Makes you feel better about the world.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is for certain Esther. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    This started out my day with a huge smile. So happy the eagle was saved 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I was happy too. So many worked together to do it.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    This warms my heart. I love how everyone worked together.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is a heartwarming story for sure, Kymber. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Wonderful story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Craig. I agree.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    Oh I’m elated by this great news, John! Thanks for sharing it. Yayyy, the eagle flies on Fri-Yayyyy!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Cindy. It is good news for sure.

      Like

  19. noelleg44's avatar

    This song just lifts my heart. Thanks and kudos to the police.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. Thanks, Noelle.

      Like

  20. Rebecca Cuningham's avatar

    So delighted to hear of the happy ending. Thanks, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I try for happy endings on Friday.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Dale's avatar

    That is such a beautiful story, John. How wonderful one was alert enough to realise that it was not dead and just left it there! There are so many wonderful people in the world.

    Wonderful JohnKu as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes and to have the police respond is wonderful too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Absolutely

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Awwww, it was that little eagle’s lucky day. Love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was for sure, Jan

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Michele Lee's avatar

    Thank you for this special share, including the exciting video! Bless that good Samaritan and others involved in its healthy release. 🦅 👏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Michele. That video was inspiring. Too bad most missed it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Michele Lee's avatar

        It is wonderful to see a successful wild animal rescue. I’ve seen the opposite happen with a bald eagle and it was heartbreaking.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          That would be heartbreaking.

          Liked by 1 person

  24. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    That is a fascinating story.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar

    What a great story, thank you for sharing John and have a great weekend. hugsx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Sally.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Sorryless's avatar

    That really is a best ending ever kind of story, Boss.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Pilgrim

      Liked by 1 person

  27. srbottch's avatar

    Wonderful! Growing up, there was a woman in ‘the hood’ who was the go-to person if any of us ragtag kids found a wounded bird. She always graciously accepted them. It’s nice to see birds, or any animal, rescued.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She must have been a wonderful person.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. srbottch's avatar

        She was. I can picture her now, Mrs. Ruth Lemon (accent on the second syllable). She was the kindest lady.

        Liked by 1 person

  28. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Nothing like a happy ending to lift our spirits.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. jilldennison's avatar

    Awwwww … that makes me smile!!! ☺️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too. Thanks, Jill.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    What a way to start my weekend, John. Thank you. I read a little about this on my news stream. This is much better.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Glad to bring good news. Thanks, Jacqui.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Resa's avatar

    Yes. yes and yes!

    O🦅 O🦅 O🦅 O🦅

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love those OX’s Thanks, Resa O🦅 O🦅

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        O🦅 O🦅

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          O🦅 O🦅 O🦅 O🦅

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          O🦅 O🦅 O🦅 O🦅

          Like

  32. Jennie's avatar

    Definitely the best ending ever! I love these stories.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me Too, Jennie. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Sorry I’m late with a response to my favorite Friday posts. Thank you so much for sharing. I got goosebumps when I watched the video of that eagle soaring upon release. Yay for another feel good story in a world where too often we are bombarded with ugly elements far too often.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You are never late, Monika. Just delayed is all. That video was terrific. I loved how the police took the matter seriously too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

        You’re so gracious, thank you kind sir. I always hate being behind, especially with my favorite bloggers.

        Liked by 1 person

  34. Ilsa Rey's avatar

    That’s cool. I’ve seen videos of people helping baby owls and baby deer, too. They end up becoming friends. I always love those stories.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think those stories are cute too. I’m not sure the Eagle will be friends but was good to see it fly away.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ilsa Rey's avatar

        Yes, I’m sure you’re right.

        Liked by 1 person