Think Wild is delighted to report that we released an adult female bald eagle following more than six weeks of care after a traumatic injury.
The eagle was rescued on March 9, 2026 after being found grounded along a roadside, unable to fly after reportedly being hit by a car. On intake, she showed a drooping left wing, difficulty breathing, and trauma to her beak that interfered with her ability to eat.
Veterinary evaluation confirmed a left shoulder injury (coracoid luxation), pulmonary contusions, and a fractured upper beak. Early in care, she required fluids, medications, and assisted feeding while her injuries stabilized.
Over the following weeks, she made steady progress. After undergoing a beak repair procedure and recovering from her shoulder injury, she transitioned to self-feeding and was moved to a flight enclosure. With daily flight conditioning, she rebuilt the strength and coordination needed for survival in the wild. Final assessments confirmed strong, symmetrical flight appropriate for release.
Our team released the eagle today at 11 am in Prineville, on the same farm property from where she was rescued. When our volunteer, Gary Lauder, who had also rescued the eagle in March, opened the crate, the eagle immediately took to the skies. She soared back towards our group, then upwards, vocalizing as she climbed. Another adult bald eagle (we presume it was her mate!) joined her in the air and the two soared up into the sky together. Then two MORE adult bald eagles joined them, along with a few red-tailed hawks and unidentified raptors, and finally a juvenile bald eagle. Truly a welcome home party to remember!
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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