Bald Eagle Release

Bald Eagle

Release

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In December of 2003, a bald eagle was found with a broken wing next to the Platte River. Surgeons at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were able to successfully repair the bird's wing fracture. Then the bird was cared for by the staff and volunteers at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Eventually, after more than a year, the eagle was successfully rehabilitated!

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Along with hundreds of other people, we gathered at Fossil Creek Reservoir on January 29, 2005 to celebrate and witness the release of the bald eagle.

Just a portion of the large crowd

This new chance at freedom was the combined effort of many people. Judy Scherpelz, director of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, spoke about the significance of the event. Travis Rollins is the Park Manager at Fossil Creek Reservoir. The logistics of coordinating the release must have been monumental!

Judy Scherpelz

Travis Rollins

Several people participated in the actual opening of the cage, which was delivered by truck and poised on the edge of the reservoir. Tom Sutherland, former hostage held more than six years in Lebanon, helped to release the bird along with his granddaughter. The family of Jack Church, also known as Silverhawk, honored his recent passing. He was an artist and supporter of the Raptor Program.

The crowd waited in anticipation, wondering how the bird would react. Almost immediately after the cage door was opened, the bird erupted in a spectacular flight over the reservoir.

It flew over the surface of the icy lake to the far side and joined a full adult bald eagle perched in a tree.

Later, it was wonderful to meet Tom Sutherland and his granddaughter. The significance of his freedom was echoed by that of the newly released bald eagle.

As we left the Fossil Creek Natural Area and pulled out onto County Road 32, we saw a raptor in flight. Perhaps it was even the eagle, now soaring free. The day had been a soaring lift to our spirits as well.

You can view our Raptor Gallery to see photos of eagles and other birds of prey, many of which are cared for at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. The program is funded by community donations. We wish to thank director Judy Scherpelz and volunteer Pat Hayward for their instrumental assistance.

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