Southwestern Power Company (SWEPCO) and Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation in Northwest Arkansas partnered this month for the release of another rehabilitated raptor at Eagle Watch Nature Trail in Gentry, Arkansas.

SWEPCO and Northsong have worked together for several years in support of conservation education and bird rehabilitation, including using SWEPCO’s Eagle Watch Nature Trail as a release point for Northsong’s rehabilitated birds.

Dr. Emily Warman, chairman of Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation and a veterinarian, arrived at SWEPCO’s Eagle Watch Nature Trail for this latest release as the sun cast a golden glow across the park’s pavilions and lake that is a haven for migrating birds and birdwatchers.

A small crowd watched as the blue box holding the red-tailed hawk jiggled in the grass by Dr. Warman’s feet as she shared the bird’s story. The red-tailed hawk was itching to fly.

 “They usually don’t do this. He’s raring to go,” she said with a laugh.

The bird tumbled out as she opened the box and gracefully took flight, stretching its wings to clear the treetops and disappear as cameras clicked and families cheered.

Dr. Warman said Northsong has a record number of birds being rehabilitated right now and each release of a healthy bird makes room for future injured birds. More raptor releases are expected this fall at Eagle Watch.

SWEPCO has been a proud supporter of Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation since 2022 with grants from its foundation to support care for the birds, promote environmental awareness and provide community education programs. Bird releases at Eagle Watch have become a part of that partnership, as wildlife flourishes in the nature park SWEPCO created with the surrounding community.

The Eagle Watch Nature Trail at SWEPCO Lake was created in 1999 by SWEPCO employees and Gentry Boy Scout Troop 34. The 65-acre nature area is open to the public and a haven for wildlife and migrating birds as well as being a wintering home for Bald Eagles. The history of Eagle Watch is characterized by community involvement, the addition of a second pavilion in 2016, and efforts to promote wildlife conservation and public education through events and the trail's displays.