Raptor release

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e Olerud, a founder of the Haines-based American Bald Eagle Foundation, released one of three eagles Saturday afternoon before an audience of more than 100 during the Haines Bald Eagle Festival. The eagles were released at about mile 19 Haines Highway, in an area of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve known as the Council Grounds. The birds had been rehabilitated by the Juneau Raptor Center and Anchorage Bird TLC. All three birds, two adults and an immature eagle, flew out onto the river flats where hundreds of other eagles watched or fed on a late salmon run. The younger bird was released by a group of children. The third bird was released by a California man who bid $2,500 for the privilege in an auction at the Council Grounds.