By Morgan Palmer
In May 2025, Duane “Jim” Ray’s* life intersected with a majestic creature’s when he found a wounded Bald Eagle on West Bank Perimeter Road in Steamburg, NY. The eagle, hit by a vehicle, lay struggling on the side of the road. Jim and his wife quickly sprang into action, contacting the Seneca Nation’s Conservation department for assistance.
During the wait for animal protection services, Jim felt very upset and concerned about the eagle’s health. He said that it had looked like someone just did not care. “A hit and run” was what he had called it. When the people from Conservation arrived, they were not sure if the bird was even able to survive. It was very wounded and in bad
shape. CSPCA took the bird to Erie County, where it received medical treatment for a fractured humerus, a critical bone for flight. After its surgery and recovery, the eagle was transferred to Messinger Woods Wildlife Care Center for rehabilitation. The center’s team worked hard to help the eagle regain her strength and bearings.
The eagle, approximately three years old and female, proved to be a challenging
patient. Initially resistant to care, she gradually warmed up to her caretakers. As she healed, she began to hunt and fish again in the ponds and spaces for flight that the organization offered. Slowly she was preparing herself to return to the wild. Messinger Woods, a non-profit organization dedicated to animal rehabilitation, had successfully treated over 650 animals in 2025, with a 75% release rate. The most popular animals that Messinger Woods care for are birds of prey.
On October 3rd, the eagle was deemed ready for release. Due to her origins on Seneca territory, no tracking device was fitted, as Conservation offcials confirmed they would not be performing tracking of the bird. At High Banks Campgrounds at the boat launch on a nearby hill, the eagle was being prepared to be set free into her natural
habitat. With so many people around, she had a nervousness in her eyes. She also had a look on her face that told the various onlookers that she was ready to go home. As the female eagle took to the skies, her eyes were fixed on freedom. She quickly took a corner towards a forest near the boat launch. Offcials said that she must have sensed that she was home. According to Conservation an eagle’s nest was previously spotted
in the forest in which she flew in, possibly being perched there to regain her bearing. As the eagle flew away, Jim Ray reflected on the experience, “I am very proud to be setting her free today. Over the years, I have always wondered, why is there no Eagle Clan in the Seneca culture. But I realize now. The Bald eagle is such a revered and majestic bird. The Seneca people as a whole is an eagle. Our people are majestic, we all are the eagle.” He added that being part of the eagle’s life meant a lot to him, as growing up, there were no eagles around the territory. “I’m so happy to be letting this eagle go today,” he said. Jim Ray’s actions not only saved the eagle’s life but also highlighted the importance of Conservation efforts. His selfless act has made a lasting impact on the community.
* Duane Ray, Former President of the Seneca Nation Of Indians.