NEWS

Zoo releases bald eagle at Lake Springfield after injuries heal

Wes Johnson
WJOHNSON@NEWS-LEADER.COM

A young bald eagle launched out of its plastic cage Thursday, then to the surprise of onlookers promptly landed in the grass 30 yards away to take in its newfound freedom.

After catching its breath — and posing for cameras and a small crowd — the eagle flew out over the blue water of Lake Springfield before settling comfortably into a distant tree.

The eagle was rescued by a conservation agent at Stockton Lake about three weeks ago after it was found with head and wing injuries, according to Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher, a veterinarian at Dickerson Park Zoo. The bird was less than four years old, Schnellbacher said, as evidenced by its lack of white head and tail feathers.

Bald eagles typically don't get their distinctive color until they reach age five. 

It was treated at the zoo's Raptor Rehabilitation Center and was flying and eating well in the aviary cage there, making it ready for release into the wild.

"It's just enjoying the sun and looking at everybody, and hopefully it will fly off," Schnellbacher said, after the eagle landed in dry grass next to the Lake Springfield Boat House. "He's probably going to hang out here and then probably migrate up north."

Bald eagles are regularly seen at Lake Springfield, and in years past one or two have nested near the lake or along the James River. The lake rarely freezes over, providing eagles and other migratory birds a good source of fish during the winter.

The eagle was the 13th injured bald eagle the zoo had taken in during 2016. Of those, only six were unable to be rehabilitated, Schnellbacher said.