Canady Joins Audubon for Eagle No. 800

A Major Moment for the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

On November 21, conservationists and community members witnessed a powerful moment in Sorrento, Florida, as the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey released its 800th rehabilitated Bald Eagle back into the wild. Florida House Representative Jennifer Canady joined Center Director Katie Warner to carry and release the bird—a symbolic reminder of resilience and the decades-long work protecting America’s national emblem.

A Patient’s Journey Back to the Skies

The eagle, known as patient #2025-701, arrived at the Center’s Raptor Trauma Clinic in October after a territory fight left it with wing wounds, foot abrasions, and chest bruising. Tests also showed lead poisoning, a recurring threat tied to contaminated water and game shot with lead ammunition. After weeks of treatment, the eagle was strong enough to return home—joining the 30 Bald Eagles the Center has already released this year.

This milestone comes less than three years after the Center celebrated its 700th release, underscoring both the growing need for rehabilitation and the Center’s unwavering dedication.

Protecting Eagles Through Research and Rescue

Florida’s Bald Eagle population, once at risk of extinction, now boasts approximately 2,500 nesting pairs statewide. A major force behind that success is EagleWatch, Audubon’s community-science program with more than 700 volunteers monitoring over 1,300 nests across 53 counties. Their observations have helped secure critical protections and enabled quick rescues for injured birds.

Continuing the Mission

While the Center is temporarily closed to visitors during construction of a new aviary, its Raptor Trauma Clinic remains open, already treating 770 raptors this year alone. With over 30 ambassador birds on-site and ongoing conservation programs, the Center continues its mission to safeguard Florida’s raptors—one eagle at a time.