After months of treatment and rehabilitation, a juvenile bald eagle has been returned to the wild, the Wildlife Center of Virginia announced on its website.
The fledgling eagle underwent months of treatment after suffering serious injuries when a storm sent its nest crashing to the ground in Alexandria, Virginia. In early September, the bird was released at Mason Neck State Park in Virginia, with its original rescuer present to watch it fly off.
Here's what to know
The bird, identified as Bald Eagle #26-2307, was originally taken to Owl Moon Raptor Center before being transferred to the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
At the Owl Moon Raptor Center, staffers found the eagle to be alert at first, but the young bird soon developed breathing trouble. Veterinarians also found that the bird was underweight and had blood coming from its mouth, which suggested possible internal injuries.
Staff began treatment with oxygen and IV fluids, then added pain medication and anti-inflammatory care once the eagle was more stable.
Following weeks of intensive treatment, the bird recovered enough to move into the Wildlife Center of Virginia's A3 Flight Pen. It continued rehabilitation there with two other juvenile bald eagles, according to the Wildlife Center.
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During August, the rehab team used daily exercise sessions to help the eagle regain strength and build endurance in flight. On Aug. 31, the Wildlife Center of Virginia's veterinary team decided the bird was ready for release.
More background
Getting the eagle back into the wild required help at several stages, including rescue, medical care, transfers between facilities, and flight conditioning. When the bird was released at Mason Neck State Park, the Wildlife Center of Virginia said about 50 people attended, including center staff, Wildlife Rescue League staff and volunteers, and the eagle's original rescuer.
The release highlighted the large number of people who all worked together to save the iconic bird and re-release it into its natural habitat.
The Wildlife Center of Virginia said daily exercise was key to preparing the young bird to survive on its own. Bald Eagle #26-2307 was initially awkward in the air and lacked stamina, but by Aug. 31, it had improved significantly.
Where can I learn more?
Like the Virginia rescue, other stories of bald eagle recoveries show how important fast action, skilled rehabilitation, and a carefully timed release are for a successful reintroduction into the wild. The following stories echo the Virginia eagle's return to flight while highlighting the range of threats raptors face, from traumatic injuries to roadside emergencies.
• In Washington state, a bald eagle soared back into the wild after rehabilitation.
• In North Carolina, authorities found an injured bald eagle beside a highway and intervened.
• In rural Canada, a family realized something was wrong and rescued an injured bald eagle.
• In Minnesota, a passerby prompted a remarkable rescue after spotting a bald eagle near traffic.
• Wildlife rescuers answered a call from a family and freed a trapped eagle.
While each rescue followed a different path, all of these examples show how much has to go right before an injured eagle can make it back to the wild. They also highlight the role trained responders and rehab centers play when a bird is found in trouble.
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