1) On April 18, Ag Educator Cat Reeder and Woodhaven Wildlife Center Rehabilitation Specialists Judy Cusworth and Vincent Egresits released a rehabilitated eagle back to nature, to its previous territory near the Chenango River in Greene. (Photo by Kelli Miller), 2) Wildlife Rehab Specialist Vincent Egresits walked the eagle to the rivers edge for release. Once on the ground, she took a step, flapped her wings and soared above the river to land on a limb of one of the adjacent trees. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

GREENE — On Friday, April 18, a rehabilitated bald eagle was released back into nature, to its previous territory near the Chenango River in Greene.

The release location was near the area it was rescued from on March, 8, at Highway 12 in Greene, when Agriculture Educator Cat Reeder and her son spotted the injured eagle on the guard rails next to the road.

Returning the eagle to its original area of rescue was important as eagles mate for life and there was a great possibility the mate was waiting her return.

Reeder, who has a masters in agriculture education has valuable animal behavioral skills and approached the eagle to observe it was injured. She then quickly networked to find the best team to help with the eagle’s recovery.

After a few hours, an officer from the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was dispatched and helped support Reeder in the rescue. She then transported the eagle to Cornell University for further follow-up.

“It was a true test of patience and compassion, one I am incredibly grateful to have experienced,” said Reeder.

The eagle spent weeks in rehab.Tests were designed to assess the eagle’s ability to fly and hunt effectively, ensuring it would be capable of surviving on its own once returned to the wild.

It was about five weeks later when Reeder received the call to pick up the eagle to release her back to nature.