DEERFIELD — A broad-winged hawk, two red-tailed hawks and a juvenile great horned owl returned to the wild recently, after being nursed back to health by Tom Ricardi of the Birds of Prey Rehab Facility in Conway.
Ricardi released the four raptors in fields that border the Deerfield River. At the same time, he had another broad-winged hawk with an injured wing that he was bringing to the South Deerfield Veterinary Clinic, and after that he was headed to check out an injured hawk called in by a homeowner.
As many as 50 injured birds are in Ricardi’s care at a time. He’s also hosting 10 birds that cannot be released due to injuries, including a pair of bald eagles that he successfully bred, releasing numerous birds into the wild.
Reach Paul Franz at 413-772-0261, ext. 266 or pfranz@recorder.com.
