Tommy Young and the Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center will host their third bald eagle release this year on Hickory Nut Mountain Saturday, July 3, at 5:30 p.m.
In early April, Arkansas Game and Fish Officer of the Year, Mac Davis, was called by someone scouting turkeys to rescue an injured adult, male bald eagle. The eagle was dragging a wing and unable to fly. Mac said on his Facebook page: “You never know what you’re going to be chasing through Muddy Creek WMA. Apparently, he does not know the meaning of, ‘Stop, I’m trying to help.’ Dang they can run.” Mac persevered and caught the eagle after chasing it for what he said seemed like half a mile. He threw a blanket over the eagle and caught it. One of the photos attached is of Mac holding the eagle prior to releasing it to rehab. He said he was holding on tightly!
Mena, Arkansas local wildlife rehabber, Tommy Young, received the eagle, who had numerous injuries, including what appeared to be talon marks from another eagle. The eagle is mended, well, and ready to go. What a great way to celebrate our nation’s birthday, by witnessing this symbol of our country fly away and head for home!
This will be the 115th bald eagle cared for and released back to the wild by Mr. Young, who has been rehabilitating wildlife since he was a teen and is authorized by the US government to care for injured eagles. Mr. Young’s late father was born on July 3rd, so there is a special significance to the date.
The event is suitable for families and all ages. There is no charge to attend. Donations are gratefully accepted, however, as this important work receives no government funding and is supported solely by donations. [If you are unable to attend but would like to support this work please mail a check to ANPWC (Arkansas Native Plant & Wildlife Center) at PO Box 1881, Mena, AR 71953. All donations are tax deductible.]
The event will be attended by various indigenous tribes for whom the eagle is an important symbol.
Inclement weather will move the event to Sunday, July 4th at 5:00. (In this case, inclement means truly horrible weather. The eagle can fly in rain and most of us will not melt!)
Closest Towns: Hot Springs, Mt. Ida, Norman, Royal
Directions:
Hickory Nut Mountain Vista & Picnic Area
US Highway 270
Mt. Ida, Arkansas
The turn off for Hickory Nut Mountain is located about 13 miles East of Mt. Ida on your left, or 23 miles West of Hot Springs on your right, approximately 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 1.0 mile. At 3.5 miles is a sign on your left for the picnic area. The road ends at 4.2 miles at the vista overlook, where the eagle will be released.
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Here is a suggestion of another event the same day to tie in with the eagle release. You can find The Front Porch Stage on Facebook.
The Front Porch Stage at 129 S West St, Mount Ida, AR, We’re closing in on opening our 20th year on the Front Porch Stage July 3rd 6Pm on the courthouse lawn in Mt Ida with a hometown favorite, Mike Mayberry & The Slowhands. Bring your lawn chairs, your neighbors, your dogs (if they’re social) We fixed things up a bit, still working on somethings but we’ll be ready!
Come hang around with us and enjoy an evening of great music!
