'I thought I would cry': Rescued eagle released

An eagle found a year ago emaciated and weak has recovered and was released in Grand River, P.E.I. Wednesday with the help of The Atlantic Veterinary College and the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Nathan DesRoches found the bird, which had difficulty flying, near his home. He found the eagle because he had been photographing its parentsand their eaglets for three years.

It was really special. I guess I have a heart for eagles.-NathanDesRoches

DesRoches and some clients that he works with from Community Connections, a day service in Summerside for people with disabilities were at the release.

"I thought I would cry to be honest with you," said DesRoches.

The clients knew about or were there when the bird was rescued and have been following its progress back to health.

Eagle gained strength to fly

"It was really special. I guess I have a heart for eagles," said DesRoches.

The eagle had beenvery timid and kept its head down when found. Because of this behavior, it was tested for lead poisoning, but the test was negative.

The bird spent several weeks at the Atlantic Veterinary College before being sent to Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Nova Scotia where it gained flight muscle strength.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |LISTIs my school under review? A list of Island schools and whether they are under review
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Free tutoring program expands at Charlottetown Boys and Girls Club