Team Captures Injured Eagle at LNG Canada Project Site – JGC

Capturing an injured mature bald eagle that can still fly short distances is a challenge, but that’s exactly what a team of people recently accomplished at the LNG Canada Project site in Kitimat, B.C

On July 22, 2023, an eagle was observed by Fluor Constructors nightshift employees on site, and it appeared to be injured. After taking shifts monitoring the bird overnight and ensuring it was kept safe as plant construction continued.  A JFJV environmental advisor visually assessed the bird first thing in the morning, confirming that the eagle was indeed injured, and called the Provincial Report All Poachers and Polluters Hotline. A B.C. Conservation Officer from Terrace arrived on site with a person from the Terrace Raven and Crow Rehab Sanctuary to capture the bird.

With the professional help from Terrace Raven and Crow Rehab Sanctuary, the Conservation Officer, and the support from a team of 11 people from JFJV, Servco, and LNG Canada, work was suspended in the area, and the Eagle was safely captured within thirty minutes.

It was a great team effort organized by JFJV, with excellent support from Nate Philp of JFJV Construction, Chris Schmidt of JFJV Site Wide Services, Jason Camera of Fluor Constructors scaffolding, JFJV Security staff at the main security gate, Servco superintendents and foremen, Al Muir of JFJV HSSE, Isaac Wing from LNGC Environment, the FCCL nightshift workers, and last but not least Sarah Chaulk, Blake Nowicki, and Erik Luzia, JFJV Environmental Advisors.

The Eagle has been transported to the Orphaned Wildlife Rehab Centre (OWL), in Delta, B.C. Once the bird has recovered, it will be brought back to Kitimat for its release into the wild.

This is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting wildlife. If you ever come across an injured animal, please keep your distance, and contact your supervisor. It’s important that we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all creatures.

“It was heart-warming to see that everybody involved did not hesitate to help when asked. After capture and a closer assessment, it was determined that the eagle had a broken wing.  This magnificent bird would have died if left to fend for itself.  Congratulations and thank you to all involved!” Shawn Hamilton, JFJV Environmental Manager.

Photo from Terrace Raven and Crow Rehab Sanctuary