Rehabilitated eagle is released near Wabasha

Rebecca Field - Audubon

This golden eagle, found injured a month ago near Wabasha, was being released to the wild today in southeastern Minnesota.

Star Tribune

Last update: March 26, 2009 - 12:10 AM

A newly rehabilitated golden eagle was returned to the wild Wednesday in southeastern Minnesota.

The eagle was found injured about a month ago near Wabasha. It was brought to the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, where it was brought back to health. It is now radio-tagged for research purposes.

The bird was released from the National Eagle Center on the banks of the Mississippi River in Wabasha.

Golden eagles are dark with a gold patch behind the head and neck. The head is smaller and the tail appears longer than a bald eagle's. They are one of the largest birds of prey in North America. Only bald eagles and California condors grow larger. Their wingspan can exceed 7 feet.

Golden eagles are most often found in the western United States and in parts of Mexico and Canada. Sightings to the east are considered rare.

The golden eagle is also Mexico's national emblem and appears on that nation's flag.

PAUL WALSH