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Bald Eagle Released

A female bald eagle has been released in the Northern Neck of Virginia after recovering from injuries. Onlookers came for a variety of reasons, some quite personal.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia has become famous for patching up injured bald eagles. A team from the center arrived at the Rappahannock River Wildlife Refuge to an exuberant crowd anxious to witness the bird’s flight back to freedom.

The eagle’s release was dedicated to Junius Walker, the state police trooper who was killed in the line of duty last Thursday. Several police and wildlife officials posed for a picture with the eagle and plan to give it to Walker’s family. Northumberland County Sheriff Chuck Wilkins swallowed back tears.
 
"I just thought the symbolism of releasing this bird would be a neat thing. I thought it would be something good we could pass on to the family," said Wilkins.

You can watch the progress of other animals and follow the bald eagle NX at wildlifecenter.org.