It's been a long road to get from here to there, but Marge Gibson and her staff at Raptor Education Group have managed to do what they've done so many times before. These beautiful, wild, and majestic birds who had no hope were taken under REGI's wing and given not only hope, but life. Today we share the magic of sending them home - wild and free as they ought to be.
Bodies broken, organs poisoned, and hope all but lost, these birds left to the ways of the wild were surely dead. Instead, the caring and compassion of at least two parties intervened and where one path offered certain darkness, this road brought light and hope.
First, one kind, observant and caring soul discovered a poor creature in need and cared enough to act. Undoubtedly every individual reading this would proudly accept this role if the circumstances arose, but we also know how much of the world is blind to its surroundings and likely would not even have noticed, much less taken action.
Having already been granted one miracle, this bird was about to be awarded another. It found its way to REGI. Under the careful supervision of Marge Gibson, known as "The Bird Whisperer" by her many fans, and the dedicated and talented individuals of her staff, each bird is painstakingly tended to around the clock. Through their devotion, financial support, skill and unwillingness to concede, these birds have a chance. A very good chance.
And that, my friends, is why Lisadawn and I are so honored to invest our time, talents and financial support to their cause.
While there is no substitute to bearing witness to the live event, we'll let the following photos and narrative at least try to portray the overwhelming emotion felt when Marge's outstretched arms release these majestic creatures into the flight that begins their second life.
Above: With the education opportunity realized and the "good luck" meal fed, Marge and her charge ascend the steps to a platform overlooking the flowing water of the Wisconsin River. Gently holding its head she directs his gaze to the wild expanse beyond where its own kind and its new life are waiting for him just across the way.
Above: As a crowd of spectators 3,000 people strong watches on, something very magical happens. Marge slowly extends this amazing animal up and toward the river. As she does, the crowd just fades away. There is no noise but the wild landscape around us. There is no one to be seen, but Marge and the bird. Without the need for any spoken words there is understanding. Marge knows the time has come and the eagle knows its new life is waiting for it out there in the beyond.
Above: Then, suddenly, with a slight bend of her knees and an upward thrust of her arms, those amazing feathered wings extend and the first flight of the new life begins. First one flap...
...and then another...
… and another.
Suddenly the silence is broken as cheers and applause erupt from the crowd who have just witnessed the crowning moment of all Marge and her staff have invested.
Perseverance has won. Time, money and compassion are victorious.
While mankind's carelessness took this amazing creature to the brink, a remarkable group of individuals brought it back. To you, Marge Gibson and the staff of Raptor Education Group, we offer a sincere thank you on behalf of the 3,000+ member crowd of Sauk Prairie's Eagle Days, the countless supporters who now read this story and of course those 4 beautiful bald eagles to whom you returned their lives. You are ALL heroes in our book in every sense of the word. Thank you.
One more day to go in the "Eagle Release" series as we conclude tomorrow with "Free Again".
If you haven’t done so already, you may be interested in reading the first three parts to this amazing story. Please find the links below:
Eagle Release- Part I: The Arrival
Eagle Release- Part II: Education
Eagle Release- Part III: Prepare for Launch
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