Today I was privileged to photograph a White Bellied Sea Eagle release off Bruny Island. The event was the result of 9 weeks of hard work by Craig Webb, of the Raptor Refuge, who found the injured raptor near Cloudy Bay a couple of months ago.

Craig readies the fit and healthy Sea Eagle for release.

Craig readies the fit and healthy Sea Eagle for release.

The nature of the 3 year old eagles injuries was uncertain, but under the close attention of Craig at the refuge, he gradually returned to good health and today was re released just off Bruny Island not too far from Cloudy Bay.

Craig readies the Sea Eagle for release

Sea Eagle Release – Craig Webb & Rob Pennicott

The release was made possible by the extremely generous contribution of Rob Pennicott, of Pennicott Cruises, to skipper us out on one of his cruise boats. We darted in and out of secluded bays on Bruny Island, looking for suitable wind conditions as well as nice big trees for the eagle to rest in after the release.

With Rob providing back up support, Craig releases the eagle!

With Rob providing back up support, Craig releases the eagle!

With Rob providing back up support, Craig releases the eagle!

For more info on the wonderful conservation work undertaken by the Raptor Refuge make sure you check out their website. The refuge is not open on a daily basis but arrangements can be made in advance by getting in touch, or you can join our photography and art workshop for a very intimate experience at the refuge. While in Tasmania, make sure you also jump on board one of Rob Pennicotts cruises on either the Tasman Peninsula or Bruny Island.