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Department of Conservation and Recreation
After months of rehabilitation at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, two juvenile bald eagles were released on the afternoon of August 12, 2022, at Lake Anna State Park.
Eagle #22-0980 flying around the trees.
Each eagle was found in a different location in Virginia, but thanks to the Wildlife Center, they were raised and rehabilitated together. Both were able to take flight and feel the wind beneath their wings as each soared around the beautiful park after being released.
It wasn’t an easy road to recovery, but both eagles were being treated at the Wildlife Center and were able to keep each other company and bond during the recuperation process.
Bald Eagle #22-0980 was admitted on May 11 to the Wildlife Center from Lake Anna after being found on the ground and appeared to be injured. The eagle spent three months in a large flight pen where it was able to take practice flights to grow stronger and build endurance until the veterinarians determined that it was ready to be released back into the wild.
Bald Eagle #22-1462 was found at Virginia Beach on June 1 by a homeowner who noticed the bird on the ground in the backyard. This eagle was brought to the Wildlife Center, and veterinarians noticed that the bird was not thriving on its own and was extremely dehydrated. Treatment began and the bird showed signs of improvement.
In July, the eagle was able to begin flight conditioning in the same outdoor pen as Eagle #22-0980 until it too was considered ready to be released. The two eagles soared during test flights and showed off their strong wings and maneuvering skills while being supervised by staff. The eagles got more comfortable around each other and experts say that they each helped one another get through the recovery period.
Both birds were ready to go back to their locations of origin to be released, but after a discussion among veterinarians and wildlife biologists, it was decided it was best to release them together.
I spoke with the Director of Veterinary Services at the Virginia Wildlife Center, Dr. Karra Pierce, who explained why the park would provide the perfect habitat for both eagles.
“These young eagles need an area that is suitable for them to thrive, and Lake Anna provides the trees, the lake and the serenity these birds need to live their best life,” said Dr. Karra Pierce. “Virginia Beach is a busier location and doesn’t provide the same environment as offered by the park.”
I asked the doctor if it was likely that the birds would reconnect in the wild.
“While it’s hard to say what they will do once they are released, they may find each other in their new habitat and continue to grow their bond,” said Pierce. “They were so young when brought into the Center, and with both eagles going through rehab and growing up together in the process, it felt right to release them together.”
Over 100 people gathered at Lake Anna State Park near the Warecove picnic area to watch these majestic juvenile eagles soar to freedom. The crowd formed two lines on each side of the staff and watched as the bird carriers were brought in.
Dr. Karra Pierce and the team brought out the carrier with the eagle inside.
The crowd eagerly awaited the crates being opened so all could see these birds take flight for the first time back in the wild. It was stressed to all on-lookers not to touch the birds or interfere with the release.
The carriers were placed one on top of the other, and Eagle #22-0980 was the first to be released. Pierce opened the carrier, but the young eagle was a little hesitant to come out. The crowd watched and waited patiently as the bird grew more confident and then decided to exit the crate. This eagle soared above the park guests and showed off its amazing wing span. After about five passes above the crowd, the eagle landed in some trees behind the parking lot.
Eagle at the front of the carrier, ready to depart.
The second carrier contained Eagle #22-1462, who was more eager to soar to a new home. Once the carrier door was opened the eagle flew over the crowd and landed on one of the tree tops near the lake. The first eagle was spotted moving toward the same trees by the lake that the second eagle landed in. People in attendance seem to agree that the eagles will rejoin in their new habitat. Overall everyone was excited to see the young eagles take flight and are very hopeful that they will thrive at Lake Anna State Park.
Eagle #22-1462 flying out of the carrier.
Once both eagles were settled into the trees, the crowd began to disperse, but the Wildlife Center and Park staff were still on-site and available to talk to.
The Virginia Wildlife Center is located in Waynesboro and has helped treat more than 85,000 wild animals. For more updates on the eagles, visit the Wildlife Center web page.
Categories
Birding | Nature | State Parks
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state parks
