The ‘Eagle Whisperer' talks about a career spent saving eagles

STAFFORD COUNTY - The bald eagle may symbolize strength and freedom, but even the national bird occasionally needs a little help.

That's where Stafford County Animal Control Officer Sgt. Anthony McCall comes in, he's rescued 13 of them over the course of his 11 year career.

"You go to work every day, you kind of have a plan on what you're going to do, right? I have no idea," McCall said Wednesday.

Take, for example, last Saturday night. Someone called in saying they'd spotted an injured bald eagle on a nearby trail. McCall responded, retrieved the bird, and took it to the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro.

"I'm looking for broken wings," he said while watching video of the rescue, "anything that looks like trauma."

So how's he managed to save 13 eagles?

"It's nothing but luck I feel. When I'm working that calls comes in and I get to respond," he said.

But he plans to continue doing it for many more years to come.

"I can't find another job like this," he said. "I'm happy every time I wake up in the morning, and I can't believe some of pats me for this."