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A memorable trip the long way

March 8, 2014
Gregor Philyaw and his fiancé, Jessica Ferguson, decided to take the long way home to Bonners Ferry from Sandpoint Wednesday, and it turned out to be a memorable decision.

They were traveling north on Deep Creek Loop and had just crossed the bridge by the South Boundary fire station when they spotted an eagle on the side of the road, sitting still.

Being avid bird watchers, they eased to a stop and got out to get some pictures of the regal bird, and when he tried to fly, they saw that his wing was injured, leaving the eagle grounded.

Instead of leaving him to his fate, Gregor called the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and got the name and number of long-time raptor rehabilitator Ken English, who came with his wife, Kathy, from their Moyie Springs home while Gregor and Jessica did their best to keep the grounded eagle calm.

Not long after they pulled up, Ken took the bird under control, even allowing Jessica to hold him while Gregor snapped a few shots.

Ken and Kathy took the eagle home, and Gregor and Jessica went on their way with a memory to last a lifetime. They're hoping that with Ken's expert help, the eagle will by flying free by the day of their wedding June 13.
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