The Washington State University Veterinary Hospital is taking care of two patriotic patients.

Dr. Nickol Finch, a veterinarian here at WSU and clinical assistant professor in zoological animal medicine, is in charge of exotic species and is currently treating two bald eagles.

“We typically get seven to eight a year but this year we’ve seen 10 already and it isn’t even eagle season,” she said.

Many of the eagles the clinic receives have lead poisoning, are underweight, or are injured.

“I think it has to do with the growing number of wind farms,” Birder Keith Carlson said. “Birds aren’t used to that and it could be a contributing factor to the number of injuries.”

As for the malnourished birds, they add vitamins and minerals to their food to boost stamina.

The two birds currently at the clinic suffer separate injuries. The older of the two has a right wing fracture and his tail wrapped.

“We need to start finding a permanent placement eagle home, because he’s probably never going to fly again,” said Finch.

The younger one the hospital acquired because he was underweight. He was about to be released when they noticed pox on his face.

“His immune system can’t keep up and his pox worsen with stress,” Finch said.

She also said that he has his wings wrapped because he likes to jump around and run into the walls.

“The first bald eagle I dealt with scared the shit out of me,” she said while standing in the cage with the youngest eagle. “But they’ve clearly grown on me.”

Once the birds receive the needed treatment, the hospital releases them within 10 miles of where they were found.

“I’ve done nothing but wildlife and exotics for 12 years and I have never looked back,” she said.

Although the two eagles rescued were from northern Washington, the bald eagle population is growing here in Pullman.

Dr. Richard Johnson, a bird specialist known as an Ornithologist, said that every year a couple of birding clubs take a bald eagle census. They keep a count of the eagle population and nests in the area.

“They’re mostly on the west coast, but there’s plenty around here if you know where to look,” he said.

During really cold winters, Carlson said the region will get a larger number of eagles because the Snake River and Clearwater River rarely freezes over.

“You won’t go a day in the winter without seeing a bald eagle in town,” he said. “We are very lucky.”

The older of the two eagles has potential to be added to the WSU Raptor Club since he will not be released. The youngest, however, has a possibility of being released if his pox heal.