For those of you that were fortunate enough to attend one of the many Wildlife Center of Virginia’s eagle releases at a Virginia State Park I am sure it was one of those days you will never forget. If you are like me, there is a unique indelible bond that you feel for these beloved birds as you watch them fly away to live their lives as eagles should.

It's your time to fly!

Ed Clark from WCV with eagle BI78 at Belle Isle State Park

That is why I find it very exciting that through the Wildlife Center of Virginia (WCV) you can track one or all of the eagles released to see exactly where they are going. The eagles are equipped with a GPS transmitter, very cool!

Since August of 2015 six bald eagles have been released back into the wild. Four at Virginia State Parks, and two at Berkley Plantation.

So let’s start with the one in August that was released at Wide Water State Park in Stafford County Virginia.  

Eagle W20. I was there and will never forget it, besides being a glorious day I was thrilled to meet the Hecht family that actually rescued her. The mature female, the family loving called Steve, was released on August 26, 2015 and has now celebrated 5 months of being well! She was last recorded across the Potomac River in Maryland on January 26 at Mattawoman Creek near Indian Head. Click here to track her progress

The next release was held at Smith Mountain Lake State Park on October 16, 2015.

Eagle SML52. A young female was found injured near the lake in June and spent almost four months recuperating at the WCV. Click here to track her progress.

Great place to look for eagles fishing at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

On October 22, 2015, a young female Bald Eagle was released at Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster County, VA.

Eagle BI78. The hatch-year eagle was rescued from Northumberland County in June 2015. Once at the WCV veterinarians were able to determine she had and injured wing. Click here for more information and to track her progress.

On November 4, 2015 an immature [2.5 year old] male Bald Eagle was released at Caledon State Park.

Eagle KG 09.On August 28, 2015 a Bald Eagle was found stuck in the mud and lying face down at the King George County Landfill. He was transported to a local rehabilitator and then later to the WCV.  After testing it was discovered the eagle was suffering from lead poisoning. Click here to for more information and to track his progress. 

2015 rounded out the year with two more eagle releases that occurred at Berkley Plantation on the James River in Charles City.  For more information on BP39 and  BP91.

Eagle's nest at Mason Neck State Park

By now, we are all familiar with the wonderful rebound of the bald eagle population after the ban on DDT. The effect DDT had on the eagles and their eggs was the cause of their numbers declining.  According to US Fish and Wildlife those shocking counts were down to less than 500 in 1963 and their numbers did not start to really rebound until long after the ban. Click here to read the full story from USFW.

However, even though American Bald Eagles are birds of prey, they are also scavengers. I know it's not the image we want in our heads of this majestic bird but they do eat dead things. In doing so, it is sadly the number one reason they die or become very ill. Lead poisoning seems to be the culprit. If you want to learn more about leading poisoning, how it affects wildlife and what you can do to make a difference, please read this report: Wildlife Center of Virginia’s Position on Lead Toxicity in Raptors.

I just want to say from me personally, a special thank you to all the dedicated staff at the WCV, the sometimes unsung local wildlife rehabilitators, the animal control officers and the good people that care enough about saving our wildlife to make that first call to get things rolling.

If you should discover an injured animal in the wild, please contact your local sheriff's office or police department. They have access to trained staff and volunteers that can safely secure the animal so it does not further injure itself or hurt you. 

Eagle releases are generally open to the public. Make sure to "like and follow" the Wildlife Center of Virginia on Facebook to get updates or visit their website.

Eagle spotting at Caledon State Park

If you are interesting in learning more about bald eagles many state parks like Caledon State Park and Mason Neck State Park offer programs and tours. Click here for a Caledon State Park program schedule and here for a Mason Neck State Park program schedule. Or to find out if a park near you offers eagle education and tours, please go to the Virginia State Parks website here or call 1800-933-PARK for more information.