Releasing Avon

If you were to take a pair of binoculars out to Redden Road this weekend you just might spot a new addition to wildlife there.

After months in recovery, a juvenile bald eagle named ‘Avon’ has finally found his wings. Dozens gathered at the Redden Road field June 28 to watch this bird of prey's majestic release since being rescued by the Hope for Wildlife Society (HWLS).

A local fisherman had discovered Avon in that area. He was in an extremely weakened condition, the bird’s parent dead by its side. Avon was taken in by the Seaforth, NS HWLS, a rehabilitation centre for wild animals.

For volunteers present today, his release was the moment of truth for which they had been waiting. “We had built a flight cage for him and he has been practicing for this,” said Society founder Hope Swinimer. “His feathers are in very good shape; he flew very well.”

Swinimer said they chose that location because it was close to where Avon was found. “We always try to bring them home,” she said. Rather than bolt when the cage was opened, Avon took a moment to shine before taking flight. Moments after his release the eagle could be seen high in the treetops surveying his territory.

‘Gift’ to be onsite: American Consul General

Special guest at the release was Harold Foster, Consul General of the United States of America. He said the occasion was a great way to commemorate both countries’ national holidays, July 1 and 4. “I'm just so happy to be here. For us, the eagle is very symbolic.”

As a U.S. citizen and avid bird watcher, Foster said it was a “gift” to be onsite for the release and it represented an even greater gift from Canada to the U.S. “In the 1950s and ‘60s, our eagles population was very much depleted,” he said.

Nova Scotia had sent several of the birds over the border during those years. “Our population of bald eagles is now recovering,” he said. “Being here today pays tribute to that.”

HWLS volunteer Jon Stone said the eagle is a shared symbol between both countries. “This is very much a joint success story.”

He said predators such as the bald eagle play a crucial role in the sustainability of wildlife. “If we have a healthy population of eagles, it indicates we have a healthy eco-system.” Unfortunately, he said, human interaction has posed a risk to rare species such as the eagle and what the HWLS does is try and recoup those loses. “Our job is to make corrections and restore the balance.”

Rescued and rehabilitated 65 birds

The HWLS is a charitable organization that relies on private and corporate donations. So far the society has rescued and rehabilitated 65 birds of prey, 17 of which were bald eagles. Several of its volunteers were on hand for the release. “

We’re going to miss him,” said Sharon Disbrowe, “but he was ready to go.”

A quarter of a century ago the bald eagle was nearly extinct in Canada due mostly to the use of pesticides, Stone said. Since their ban, the proud bird has made a grand resurgence.

“This is truly an international success story,” he said. “Without both countries working together, we wouldn't have any birds of prey left.”

The HWLS members said they could tell by his easy glide how well the young bird has recovered since his stay with them. “It was a good release,” Swinimer said.