Bald Eagle Release at Ledges Whitewater Park, Asheville, NC

How "River," the Bald Eagle went from being grounded to soaring through the sky.

River, Bald Eagle (2019-07-16/2019-07-16) by Deborah RoyCarolina Raptor Center

River's Special Day

On July 6, 2019, the Carolina Raptor Center released "River," the Bald Eagle, at Ledges Whitewater Park in Asheville, NC.

River, Bald Eagle (2019-07-16/2019-07-16) by Deborah RoyCarolina Raptor Center

When first brought in, the staff weren't quite sure what was wrong with him. They just knew he did not want to fly. Poor guy!

River, Bald Eagle (2019-07-16/2019-07-16) by Deborah RoyCarolina Raptor Center

After a month of tests and support, "River" was ready to take on the world!

River, Bald Eagle (2019-07-16/2019-07-16) by Deborah RoyCarolina Raptor Center

"River" is banded with a USFWS federal band. These important items are put on all birds that the Carolina Raptor Center releases back in the wild. They include a unique number, and if found again are returned to the banding organization. This tells researchers many things about the bird's life after release.

River, Bald Eagle (2019-07-16/2019-07-16) by Deborah RoyCarolina Raptor Center

After the exit examination, the eagle is loaded up and is ready for the trip back to Asheville, NC, where he was originally found.

Michele Houck interviewed by WLOS (2019-07-16/2019-07-16) by Deborah RoyCarolina Raptor Center

Even the news wanted to see! Associate Executive Director Michele Miller Houck speaks to the media while "River" gets ready to fly.

River, Bald Eagle (2019-07-16/2019-07-16) by Deborah RoyCarolina Raptor Center

Lauren Allen gets ready to release "River"! Lauren was a rehabilitation coordinator at CRC at the time and is currently attending Vet school at ROSS Veterinary School.

River, Bald Eagle, Deborah Roy, 2019-07-16/2019-07-16, From the collection of: Carolina Raptor Center
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River, Bald Eagle, Deborah Roy, 2019-07-16/2019-07-16, From the collection of: Carolina Raptor Center
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River, Bald Eagle, Deborah Roy, 2019-07-16/2019-07-16, From the collection of: Carolina Raptor Center
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Takeoff of "River," Bald Eagle (2019-07-06) by Deborah RoyCarolina Raptor Center

One, two, three! Fly, River fly! Because of the hard work of the staff and volunteers at Carolina Raptor Center, "River," the male Bale Eagle, has safely recovered and made it back home.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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