Africam Black Eagle Day 89, Dyfi Osprey Day 85,87&88, White-bellied Sea Eagles Day 20, Challenging Dog Walks, Upcoming Bald Eagle Releases

 I was finally able to see the Africam Black Eagle nest today! But it was only for just a few minutes. I got 4 frozen frames. This is one of them... (I think I'm beginning to remember why I haven't followed this nest before...)

W3 was the star of the show at the Dyfi nest today. First she was on this low perch.

Then she flew to the nest perch.

Then she went to the high perch behind the nest. She couldn't avoid the rain no matter where she went... She's got the wind to her back here, giving her a funny hair-do!

I didn't get a close-up of the White-bellied Sea Eagle chicks today. They both appear to be doing well.

Here's a really cool article about keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated by making a walk more fun and challenging than just walking... Make sure you watch the video too...

The Wildlife Center of Virginia announced two Bald Eagle releases this week -- one Wednesday and one Thursday. The first is an adult, that will be released tomorrow. Here's the announcement:

Wednesday, August 26: Wildlife Center President Ed Clark will release Bald Eagle #15-0642 at 11:30 a.m. at Widewater State Park. This mature female Bald Eagle was found on the ground unable to fly in Stafford County in May… and is now ready to be returned to the wild!

Widewater State Park is in the initial phases of development but is the perfect habitat for Bald Eagles [in fact, NX has checked in from there… twice!]. The release is free and open to the public. If you plan on joining us, please reply to this email – and, as we have two releases, please clarify which one you plan to attend. Also, please plan ahead, as this rugged area does not have any available restrooms.

You can find directions to Widewater State Park and a map link here: http://wildlifecenter.org/critter-corner/patient-updates/bald-eagle-15-0642-release-scheduled

The second is a juvenile that hatched this year. I plan to attend this release! Here's the announcement:

Thursday, August 27: Bald Eaglet #15-1250 will be released at 3:00 p.m. at Chippokes Plantation State Park! This juvenile male was found on the ground in Windsor, Virginia in June. Upon admission, he exhibited some signs of a neurologic injury but after weeks of treatment and rehabilitation, the vets have given him the all-clear to be released!

Chippokes Plantation State Park is on the south shore of the James River [across the river from Jamestown].   Attendees are asked to meet members of the Center’s “eagle team” at the Park’s Visitors Center.  The Park has graciously waived the admission fee for individuals attending this release. Additional information about the Park – a working farm since 1619 – is available at: 

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/chippokes-plantation.shtml#general_information

If you plan on joining us, please reply to this email – and, as we have two releases, please clarify which one you plan to attend.