"Liberty" the bald eagle flies away after Mayor John Woods released it during Independence Day ceremonies at the Energy Explorium Saturday. (Blake Radcliffe photo)
It’s Independence Day: What better occasion to set free a rehabilitated bald eagle?
Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville organized the release, which took place Saturday morning at McGuire Nuclear Station’s Energy Explorium, off N.C. 73 on Lake Norman. The occasion honored North Carolina’s veterans and fallen service members. Public officials from around the region participated, including Davidson Mayor John Woods, who was given the honor of releasing the big bird. (Mayor Woods lost a brother, James, in the Vietnam War.)
Mayor John Woods speaks at Saturday's eagle release. (Blake Radcliffe photo)
Besides Mayor Woods, the gathering included Huntersville Mayor Jill Swain, County Commissioner Karen Bentley, state Rep. Thom Tillis (R-Cornelius) and other local leaders. Col. Charles A. Dunn II of Pope Air Force Base was the keynote speaker.
Raptor center officials say the bald eagle has “a miraculous story.” It was brought to Carolina Raptor Center on Memorial Day with injuries resulting from a conflict over territory. With help of rehabilitation experts at the center, it has made a full recovery.
As he awaited the release, Mayor Woods wore a pair of large gloves, which extended to his shoulders, and held the eagle’s legs in a tight grip just above her talons.
When the time came to release her, Mayor Woods said, “We thought she would take off straight across the cove to a large stand of pine trees. But she fluttered, caught her wings and did a large half circle turn and flew around behind us and did a flyover the entire crowd.” Everyone cheered.
“She was incredibly beautiful, white head, golden beak and talons, and sleek black body,” Mayor Woods said.
Raptor Center officials say there is a growing population of eagles around Lake Norman. The bird is now wearing a transmitter and experts will keep an eye on Liberty as she travels. They hope to see if she returns to the Jordan Lake area, or settles locally, Mayor Woods said.
Details: www.carolinaraptorcenter.org.
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