Bald Eagle Release

This morning Wildlife Veterinary Care released a bald eagle at Cool Spring Battlefield, Bluemont. Dr. Belinda Burwell told us that the eagle was rescued by Fairfax County Animal Control, found very ill on a resident's deck. The vets nursed her to health and now she was ready to fly.

I was surprised by the size of the crowd. There were well over 200 people and I had to park along the road.  It appeared to be an even larger crowd than the one that showed up for 150th anniversary of the Battle of Cool Spring.

As soon as they opened the crate, the eagle made her escape.

She spread her wings, flapped them and was airborne in seconds. Up she went over the trees, away from the crowd. She disappeared quickly.

I had my camera set for multi-shots,  which allowed me to get three frames per click. Otherwise I would have only got two pictures of the eagle.

I also used this technique in March when I saw a hawk released into the wild.

I saw quite a few dogs in the audience but I suspect that they just happened to be there for their weekend walk. Cool Spring is a popular place for walking dogs. It is a beautiful park, formerly a golf course. It is now used by Shenandoah University for teaching conservation as well as Civil War history.

The narrow and badly rutted road was crammed with cars after the event, so I took a short walk.

I saw a few deer on my way out. I did not realize there were two deer in this picture until I examined it tonight. (One is peeking out on the right.)

Sharing with I'd Rather Be Birdin'

and Saturday's Critters.