Florida Bald Eagle No. 512 Released by Jim Damaske

For the second time in 19 years, Florida Bald Eagle No. 512 was rescued, rehabilitated and released back into the wild!

In 1998, this Bald Eagle was released after successfully recovering from being shot in the leg and through the wing 2 years earlier.

Last year, Bald Eagle No. 512 was rescued a second time after getting into a dispute  while protecting her nest.

From St. Petersburgh Times:

A younger female eagle kicked her out in late November, held her to the ground, plucked her chest feathers and skewered No. 512 with dagger-like talons.

Bald Eagle No. 512 has spent the last three months recovering from her injuries at Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.

Lynda White, Audubon Eaglewatch Coordinator:

“She’s middle-aged, but hopefully she’ll live for a long time to come.”

Thursday, a crowd of more than 30 watched as Bald Eagle No. 512 was released near the same spot she returned to the wild in 1998!

From St. Petersburgh Times:

Flying over the woods around Brooksville may have been bittersweet for No. 512, if Bald Eagles felt such things.

Back then, many doubted she could survive, but she did. This time around, I think she’ll do just fine!