He’s a star in a Super Bowl ad and in the NFL. How to see him soar over Hilton Head
A special guest will soar above crowds at Harbour Town this Fourth of July.
Lincoln the bald eagle, known for his patriotic flights at Philadelphia Eagles home games, will make a celebrity appearance at this year’s Independence Day celebrations at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island.
If you watched the Super Bowl this year, you may have seen Lincoln already. During the big game, Lincoln was the star of the Budweiser Super Bowl commercial, where he befriends a Clydesdale horse.
Lincoln will launch from the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse at around 8:15 p.m. and fly down to the 18th green of Harbour Town Golf Links, according to the Sea Pines Resort.
Who is Lincoln the bald eagle?
Lincoln is a non-releasable 27-year-old bald eagle hatched by the American Eagle Foundation, or AEF.
He was raised by his non-releasable parents, Liberty and Justice, at a sanctuary in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Originally, the plan was for Lincoln and his siblings to be released to the wild.
At eight weeks old, he and his siblings were moved to an artificial nesting tower, where they trained to hunt on their own.
But after his release, Lincoln struggled to hunt on his own. He was rescued, rehabilitated, and released, only to be found again, starving and emaciated.
After being rescued and rehabilitated to a healthy weight, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife deemed him non-releasable due to his inability to survive in the wild.
The Philadelphia Eagles and stardom
Lincoln now serves as an educational ambassador for his species. Millions have seen Lincoln on their phone and TV screens, thanks to the AEF’s partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles.
During the national anthem at Eagles homes games, Lincoln flies over the stadium as thousands of football fans cheer him on.
How does Lincoln feel about being a star?
In an interview with CBS News Philadelphia, trainer MaryBeth Gosnell revealed that Lincoln seems to like the extra attention.
“We trained Lincoln to get used to the noise, and we actually noticed through his behavior that he enjoys it,” Gosnell told CBS News. “He enjoys showing off a little bit.”
Sea Pines Fourth of July schedule of events
The Sea Pines Resort has a special celebration planned for America’s 250th anniversary.
Lincoln will fly over Harbour Town at around 8:15 p.m. on July 4, according to the schedule.
Other Fourth of July festivities in Sea Pines include:
- 8:30 a.m.: Fourth of July Parade @ Harbour Town
- 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Fourth of July Carnival
- 1:30 p.m.: Military flyover Salute from The Shore can be seen from Sea Pines Beach Club
- 8:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m.: Gregg Russell Fourth of July Concert
- 9:00 p.m.: Fireworks @ Harbour Town
