She was held firmly until the perfect moment when she was able to flap her strong wings and lift off into the Virginia sky in search of the perfect perch at Caledon State Park.

Bald Eagle #16-2504 circled a few times then saw a tree on which to land, and looked back over the landscape, the visitors, those who helped bring her full circle. This awe inspiring majestic Bald Eagle is another testament to the good work the Wildlife Center of Virginia does in rehabilitating injured birds and animals.

Bald Eagle #16-2504 was successfully released

back into the wild at Caledon State Park

Not every bird gets a second chance, and we are thankful to the Park Ranger who discovered her down in a frozen swamp at Caledon State Park, and to those who cared for her until this release back into the wild on January 18, 2017.

Wildlife Center of Virginia President Ed Clark released the adult female Bald Eagle

The majestic Bald Eagle spreads her wings and took off 

There were audible gasps of delight from onlookers as she took to the sky

over Caledon State Park officially rehabilitated

Bob Diller, photographer of above photos shared:

                   "Hopefully this bald eagle was returning to reunite with her lifetime mate at Caledon State Park. She was rescued there with severe injuries, and released after about 2 months rehab, within a few hundred yards of where she was found. This was a happy day for her and all the attendees."

Learn the history of Bald Eagle #15-2504 from the time of her intake on December 10, 2016 to her release here.

Caledon State Park is a National Natural Landmark known for its old growth forest and summer home to scores of American Bald Eagles, Caledon attracts bird watchers of all ages. The Park’s trails, including Boyd's Hole Trail, which leads visitors to the Potomac River, are open year-round.

Drive time to reach Caledon State Park: Northern Virginia, 1 hour 45 minutes; Richmond, 1 hour, 30 minutes; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 3 hours, 30 minutes; Roanoke, 3 hours, 30 minutes.

Learn more about Caledon State Park here, with directions here.

LET FREEDOM RING THROUGHOUT CALEDON STATE PARK AND BEYOND