AU’s Raptor Center to release bald eagle Saturday

A female bald eagle brought to the Southeastern Raptor Center at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine three months ago will be released back into the wild around 9 a.m. EST Saturday at the Dodge County Public Fishing Area, near Eastman, Ga.
The public is invited to view the release.
The bird was found between two dumpsters in Chester, Ga., on June 2. It initially received treatment at the Ocmulgee Veterinary Clinic in Eastman before arriving in Auburn.
Liz Crandall, a veterinary technician at the raptor center, and others agreed the female bald eagle, estimated to be two years old, was a candidate for rehabilitation, making her better off than many of the birds that arrive at the center. It was covered in lice, and suffered from a minor trauma to the right eye, severe emaciation, and weakness.
Without an illness or any major trauma, like a broken wing, Crandall said the center staff focused on eating and building her weight. The eagle had a great appetite and within a week, was placed in a small flight aviary. Crandall said she was eventually placed in a larger aviary.
“Now she’s ready to go,” she said.
Crandall said the eagle has gained more than 2.5 pounds — one-fourth of its original body weight — since she’s been at the center.
The Dodge County Public Fishing Area was selected for the release site because it is near where the bird was found and it is protected property as part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, Crandall said.
“We hope she will do quite well,” she said.