Audubon Center for Birds of Prey experts and special guests gathered at the Oakland Nature Preserve today to release the 439th rehabilitated Bald Eagle back into the Florida skies.

Betty Carter, Environmental Specialist from Progress Energy, released the bird in celebration of eagle conservation in Florida.  The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is a recent recipient of a generous grant from Progress Energy for the Center's new Eagle Eyes on the Environment program.

This adult Bald Eagle (BAEA # 535-12) was rescued by an Oakland police officer in October 2011 in Oakland, FL.  He was found “hopping along a trail” and Orange County Animal Services transported the bird to the Audubon Centerfor Birds of Prey.  After examination, the bird was found to have a fractured left Coracoid (collarbone) with lacerations over its clavical.  The causes of the injuries are unknown.  This bird’s main issue was poor feather condition.  It was rehabilitated at the Center. Officer Nathanel Eddy, who found the injured Eagle, had the honor of removing the bird's protective hood before release.

As part of the statewide organization Audubon Florida, the Center treats the largest volume of raptors east of the Mississippi River, including more than 50 Bald Eagles annually.  Last year 75 Bald Eagles were admitted for treatment (11% of total admissions). A study has shown that the Center has had a direct impact on approximately 1/3 of Florida’s current eagle population, either through direct rehabilitation or through the offspring of birds treated and released by the Center.

As an iconic species of the Florida Everglades, the Bald Eagle is a significant ecological indicator of the health of this sensitive ecosystem as well as many of Florida’s Special Places.  The Center contributes significantly to the conservation of eagles through its clinical and rehabilitation programs and education, with more than 250 citizen science volunteers monitoring urban eagle nests statewide as part of its Audubon EagleWatch Program.

To learn more about Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, visit the Center at 1101 Audubon Way, in Maitland, Florida. It is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is $5 per adult and $4 each for children.

Thank you to all of the Center's supporters for making amazing days like today possible.

Here is a short video of the release: