“SWEPCO is honored to host this magnificent bald eagle release at our Eagle Watch Nature Trail,” said Flint Creek Power Plant’s Environmental Coordinator Scott Carney. “We encourage the public to come out and enjoy the natural beauty around SWEPCO Lake, while witnessing the release of this raptor. It wasn’t that long ago the bald eagle was on the endangered species list, but it remains protected wildlife. We love that bald eagles use Eagle Watch Nature Trail as a sanctuary during their migration.”
NWBR was contacted in late May after a bald eagle was found near death and with an injured wing in Boone County, Ark.
When the bald eagle arrived to NWBR’s facility, their medical team examined the raptor. A physical examination revealed the bald eagle was emaciated, dehydrated and had injuries to his shoulder and wrist that was affecting his right wing. Dr. Emily Warman says the bald eagle’s body condition had a score of 1.5 on a scale of 1-5 and his prognosis did not look good.
“Majority of the time, if we get an emaciated raptor in, there is an underlying cause such as an injury preventing flight, a parasitic infection, or a sickness. We often go on a “scavenger hunt” to determine what could be the cause utilizing diagnostics and tailored treatment plans,” explained Dr. Warman.
The bird is known only as Patient 2023-0046 and that is by design. Raptors are not given a name during the rehabilitation process to preserve the sanctity of wildlife and for humans not to see these majestic animals as pets.
Following a four-month rehabilitation process, and recently passing a flight test, the raptor is now ready to be reintroduced back into the wild. “Patient 0046 has regained appropriate muscle mass and weight, is flying splendidly, and I am sure is eager to return to the wilderness,” said Dr. Warman.
SWEPCO's Eagle Watch Nature Trail is a public-access nature reserve. Bird enthusiasts flock to the area year-round. Eagle Watch is best known for American bald eagle sightings from October to March and is also home to hundreds of unique bird species. Birds are attracted to the warm water during the winter at SWEPCO Lake, which was man-made to create cooling water for the Flint Creek Power Plant ahead of its 1978 commissioning. The heat from the power generation keeps the water warm year-round, varying from 60 to 110 degrees.
SWEPCO’s Eagle Watch Program is an initiative aimed at safeguarding the majestic bald eagle and its habitats while raising awareness about the importance of preserving these magnificent birds for future generations.
The AEP Foundation, at the recommendation of SWEPCO, is a proud sponsor of NWBR’s program.
“Our collaboration with NWBR is a natural connection, since Eagle Watch Nature Trail is haven for wild birds in Northwest Arkansas,” Carney added.
“SWEPCO and AEPF have been generous supporters of NWBR since we opened. SWEPCO’s team avidly supports the preservation and sustainability of our environment in Northwest Arkansas and we are honored they partner with us for our ongoing mission.”
During the release celebration, there will be a short program to discuss patient 0046’s harrowing recovery. SWEPCO’s Eagle Watch Nature Trail is located at 21721-21779 AR-12, Gentry, Ark.
About Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO)
SWEPCO, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, serves more than 543,000 customers in northwest and central Louisiana, northeast Texas and the Texas Panhandle, and western Arkansas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at SWEPCO.com. Connect with us at Facebook.com/SWEPCO, Twitter.com/SWEPCOnews,Instagram.com/swepco, Youtube.com/SWEPCOtv, LinkedIn.com/company/swepco and SWEPCOConnections.com.
About American Electric Power (AEP)
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions to our customers. AEP’s approximately 16,800 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 223,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 5,500 megawatts of renewable energy. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, AEP Energy Partners, AEP OnSite Partners, and AEP Renewables, which provide innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.
Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation Press Release
Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation (NWBR) is a Northwest Arkansas based 501c3 organization
dedicated to providing medical care to injured avian wildlife while promoting environmental
conservation through community education and involvement. Our medical team consults on
injured wild birds, providing free examination, diagnostics, and treatments (surgeries,
medication, etc.) to patients with the goal of returning them to the wilderness. Northsong was
incorporated in 2020 and provides veterinary care to songbirds and raptors protected by the US
Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Throughout 2022, NWBR admitted and consulted on 126 injured avian patients and generated a
release rate of 47%. NWBR simultaneously promotes avian conservation and education by
hosting public, community events with state parks, local schools, local organizations, senior
learning institutions, and youth programs. We believe accessible education is incredibly
important - conservation without education is impossible, and therefore NWBR prioritizes
hosting public releases throughout Northwest Arkansas whenever possible. NWBR has held
various releases in Fayetteville, Springdale, Gentry, Rogers, Bella Vista, and Huntsville and will
continue to expand our reach.
NWBR opened a federally licensed and operating medical facility in Fayetteville, AR, in the
Summer of 2023. This facility is a collaborative effort with WM to create a sustainable answer to
injured avian wildlife for the Northwest Arkansas region. The Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation
facility is a functional veterinary rehabilitation clinic where wild avian patients are admitted,
triaged, and treated for injuries of various causes. The facility and grounds, when complete, will
host anesthetic equipment and a surgery suite, diagnostic equipment, an intensive care unit, a
songbird nursery, and outdoor aviaries required for US Fish and Wildlife Service federal
permitting. The rehabilitation clinic is managed by the Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation
Medical Team and community volunteers assist with patient care and husbandry necessary to
return patients to the wild.
Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation is an IRS recognized 501c3 organization that runs fully off
donations and grants from individuals and organizations. All medical and educational
programming is funded by generous donors looking to promote environmental conservation
throughout our area and animal or wildlife welfare. We are incredibly grateful for the generous
support we have received and are hopeful our community will continue to advocate for
displaced wildlife as NWA grows rapidly. Donations for patient rehabilitation care, medical
equipment and supplies, or educational programming can be made through mail at P.O. Box
1254, Lowell, AR 72745 or online at www.northsongbird.org.