Wildlife rehabilitator to release eagle May 21
Local wildlife rehabber Tommy Young will release an adult female bald eagle at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the vista overlook on Hickory Nut Mountain near Mount Ida.
The public is welcome to attend the free event.
“While Tommy plans to release the eagle right at 1:00, it may happen earlier. Please do not wait until the last minute to arrive. Events will begin at noon, with ceremonies to honor friends lost in the last year and talks with Tommy about this latest eagle. There have been times at previous releases where the eagle dictated the time, because it was too hot, or the bird was just ready to go, and delaying might have been harmful. Come early rather than late,” a news release said.
“The event will be attended by various Indigenous tribes for whom the eagle is an important symbol. They will present a drumming ceremony. Come early, to see this and hear Tommy talk about this eagle and the work he does,” it said.
“Donations are gratefully accepted, however, as this important work receives no government funding and is supported solely by donations,” the release said. Tax-deductible donations may be made to ANPWC (Arkansas Native Plant & Wildlife Center) at P.O. Box 1881, Mena, AR 71953.
The turnoff for Hickory Nut Mountain is located about 23 miles west of Hot Springs, on the right, about 1.3 miles west of the Garland/montgomery county line. Follow Hickory Nut Mountain Road as it climbs the mountain, taking the left fork at 1 mile. At 3.5 miles is a sign on the left for the picnic area. The road ends at 4.2 miles at the vista overlook, where the eagle will be released.