This image of the golden eagle was taken by K. Shawn Smallwood, independent researcher, when he first saw her last July in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area. (K. Shawn Smallwood)
Brian Latta, a consulting eagle biologist through the American Eagle Research Institute, with the golden eagle immediately after capture on August 8, 2013. (East Bay Regional Park District)
The golden eagle's head was encrusted with a mite infestation upon examination at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine)
After a couple months of treatment, feathers start to return to the young eagle's head. (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine)
The golden eagle continues to regain feathers last November during treatment at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine)
Brenton Pierce, a volunteer at the UC Davis California Raptor Center, prepares the golden eagle for a flight-line test a few days before her release. (Photo Credit: UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine)
Recovered golden eagle takes to the skies after eight months of treatment and rehabilitation at the California Raptor Center, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine)
The young golden eagle has demonstrated that she is ready to return to the wild. (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine)
The young golden eagle has demonstrated that she is ready to return to the wild. (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine)