Ausgrid rescues bird of prey from powerlines

The eagle was rescued by Ausgrid crews. Photo: supplied by Ausgrid

They may be the biggest bird of prey in Australia but one wedge-tailed eagle found itself in a sticky situation this week.

Ausgrid crews were called to Mount View in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley after member of the public noticed the stuck eagle, which had one of its claws trapped under wire on top of a power pole.

Brian Lindsay, who has worked on the electricity network for 28 years, was sent to investigate and said it was a unique call.

“I’ve rescued bats and possums from wires, but this was the first time I’d seen an eagle on one of our powerlines,” Brian said.

Brian approached carefully and used an insulated pole to carefully free the bird’s claw.

The delicate operation took about 20 minutes as Brian worked to ensure the bird wasn’t hurt.

When it was freed, the eagle did a few laps of gratitude around Brian before flying away.

“It was a beautiful moment. It was great to see such a beautiful creature and to see it soar away like that,” Brian said.

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