Decorah Eagle DH3 has flown free again. After more than two months of rehabilitation, the young bald eagle from HD and HM2’s Decorah Hatchery nest was released back into the wild in late September 2026. SOAR shared video of the release on October 1, giving viewers the ending they had been hoping to see since DH3 was rescued in July.
And when the crate opened, DH3 did not waste much time. He launched into flight almost immediately.
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Decorah Eagle DH3 Released After a Long Road Back
SOAR released DH3 at a local river access that the rehabilitation group uses for bald eagle releases. Another hatch-year bald eagle from the New Providence, Iowa, area was released with him.
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In the video, DH3 exits his crate and quickly takes to the air. The New Providence eagle takes a different approach, pausing on the ground for a moment before heading off. For Decorah eagle watchers, however, DH3’s flight carried a little extra weight. Just a few months earlier, no one knew why the young eagle was struggling.
How DH3 Ended Up at SOAR
DH3 and sibling DH4 fledged from the Decorah Hatchery N6 nest on June 18. Then, DH3 was last seen on the Raptor Resource Project cameras on July 10.
The next day, residents north of the Decorah Fish Hatchery reported a young eagle on the ground with what appeared to be a wing problem. The eagle disappeared into a ravine before rescuers could reach him. After he reappeared early on July 14, Winneshiek County Conservation safely captured him and helped get him to SOAR.
An examination brought some encouraging news. DH3 had no obvious wing or leg fractures. However, he was thin, slightly dehydrated, and had a drooping right wing that suggested a soft-tissue injury. He weighed about 8.2 pounds when he arrived. That began the next chapter of his summer.
DH3 Builds His Strength Again
DH3 first spent time in intensive care before moving into increasingly larger flight spaces. As his condition improved, he progressed into a 10-by-20-foot flight pen. Then, on August 4, SOAR moved him into its 60-foot flight pen, where he could work on longer flights, maneuvering, landing, and stamina. By then, his weight had increased to about 8.8 pounds.
Later in August, SOAR reported that DH3 was flying the length of the enclosure and successfully sticking his landings. He shared the space with the New Providence juvenile and an adult bald eagle, which also gave the youngsters opportunities to develop normal social behavior around other eagles. It was exactly the kind of progress everyone wanted to see.
Yes, DH3 Is a Male
His stay at SOAR also answered a question viewers had discussed throughout the nesting season. DH3 is male. SOAR measured his beak depth at 3.2 centimeters. Combined with his weight, that measurement placed him in the male range.
So the young eagle viewers watched grow up beside DH4 finally gave us one more piece of his story before returning to the wild.
From a Grounded Eagle to Open Sky
DH3’s release closes a remarkable chapter that began with concern near the Decorah Hatchery and ended beside a river with an open crate and a clear path ahead.
There was no dramatic hesitation when his moment came. DH3 stepped out and flew.
That short flight represented weeks of food, medical care, observation, conditioning, and patient rehabilitation. Most importantly, it meant DH3 was ready to be a wild eagle again.
Many thanks go to SOAR, Winneshiek County Conservation, the residents who continued watching for DH3 after he disappeared into the ravine, and everyone involved in getting him safely from rescue to release. SOAR’s rehabilitation work gave this Decorah youngster the chance to return where he belongs.
Fly high and free, DH3. 🦅❤️
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorah Eagle DH3
When did SOAR release Decorah Eagle DH3?
SOAR released Decorah Eagle DH3 back to the wild in late September 2026 after he completed rehabilitation.
Why did rescuers take DH3 to SOAR?
DH3 was found grounded near Decorah and appeared to be having trouble flying. After rescuers captured him, SOAR examined the young eagle and found that he was underweight and dealing with a suspected soft-tissue injury.
Did DH3 have a broken wing?
No. Examinations did not reveal a broken wing or other obvious fracture. However, DH3 had been holding his right wing abnormally and needed time to recover and rebuild his strength.
How long was DH3 in rehabilitation?
DH3 spent more than two months at SOAR. During that time, he progressed through larger flight enclosures where he could strengthen his wings, practice landings, and regain the stamina needed for release.
Is Decorah Eagle DH3 male or female?
DH3 is male. SOAR determined his sex using measurements including his weight and beak depth.
Where did SOAR release DH3?
SOAR released DH3 at a nearby river location used for bald eagle releases. The habitat gives rehabilitated eagles access to water, trees, food sources, and room to continue developing their survival skills.
Did DH3 fly successfully after his release?
Yes. DH3 quickly took flight after leaving the release crate, providing an encouraging finish to his rehabilitation and return to the wild.
