At the time, TJ was an immature bird, missing an entire wing. He had been found running alongside the road in a housing development called Tuskawilla. Since he was in his first year of life, and the second eagle to be admitted from that area, he was nicknamed TJ for Tuskawilla Junior. His wing, which was severed at the shoulder, was completely healed by the time he was found and the cause of his injury is unknown. There are numerous possibilities, such as a collison with a power line or an automobile.
Young birds are significantly more prone to injuries than adults.
Learning to land, discovering which branches can hold their weight and using the tail as a rudder to slow their flight are all things young birds must practice. Now a mature eagle, TJ displays the white head and tail characteristic of his species. He is quite vocal, and calls loudly in recognition of staff members and volunteers. He also calls out to wild raptors who circle the aviary. TJ and his mate, Prairie, were surrogate parents to Seminole Wind, an eaglet brought to the Center in 1993 while still in the egg.