Bald eagle returned to Brudenell Provincial Park 3 months after rescue

A mature female bald eagle was released Tuesday in P.E.I.'s Brudenell Provincial Park after months of rehabilitation.

Park trail guides found her on the ground unable to fly in July.They called provincial wildlife officials, who brought the eagle to the Atlantic Vet College in Charlottetown.

"It was actually quite weak and lethargic, and open-mouth breathing and obviously not feeling very well," said Fiep de Bie, AVC wildlife technician.

AVC staff and volunteers spent weeks caring for the eagle. Then it was off to the Cobequid Rehabilitation Centre in Nova Scotia, a facility with a large flight cage.

Here the eagle was able to strengthen its wings.

"It stayed there for a month, and it really was flying well after a few weeks. It really went to the higher perches," said de Bie.

The team from AVC, the rehabilitation centre and provincial wildlife officials brought the female eagle back home to Brudenell.

"Youlet something go back where it belongs," said Chuck Gallison, P.E.I. wildlife biologist.

"That's its surroundings. This is where it grew up. This particular one has a nest, has raised young here, is quite familiar with where to fish and find food."

This is the fourth eagle released by the AVC this year.