Tom Ricardi of the Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center in Conway releases a juvenile female bald eagle in Deerfield on Saturday after nursing it back to health for four months. The raptor was found along the Connecticut River in Holyoke with an injured wing and eye infections. The bird flew off to the delight of the crowd that had gathered to watch the release. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Tom Ricardi of the Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center in Conway shows his resident turkey vulture, one of his favorites, to those who came to see him release a rehabilitated young bald eagle in Deerfield on Saturday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Tom Ricardi of the Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center in Conway introduces a tiny saw-whet owl to those who came to see him release a rehabilitated young bald eagle in Deerfield on Saturday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ