An Eagle to the Sky

by Frances Hamerstrom

The author describes her experiences caring for two injured golden eagles, and shares her observations on eagle behavior

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

142 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book first published in 1970 describes the author’s experiences with two golden eagles. The first, a human imprinted eagle, lived with the author, a falconer. Her work with her was an important in developing techniques for breeding eagles in captivity.

The second, an injured golden eagle, was taken from the wild by a person who wanted to treat her injuries caused by a tic infestation and release her. The person was unable to do so because he lacked the necessary licenses. However, through his efforts the bird was released to the author, who was a licensed rehabber, for rehabilitation and release rather than spending the remainder of her life in captivity in a zoo.

The experiences with each bird are described in short succinct chapters that are accompanied in some instances by photographs or drawings. They are a marvel to read as they describe pioneering efforts to successfully breed raptors in captivity, and to rehabilitate and release birds. Those activities were not common at that time, and few women engaged in them.

This is a highly enjoyable read both from a historical perspective, and for the bird’s eye view and human perspective on these events.

[M Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story– a quick read. I wish there had been more details about her interactions with other conservationists and how she fit into the bigger picture of raptor conservation in the 1960s, but I recognize that this book was meant to be more of a story about the particular eagles. What a remarkable woman!

[Judy Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

She eloquently describes her relationships with 2 eagles, as well as the Midwest with its biting cold winters and abundant springtimes. This book really pulled at my heartstrings. Unforgettable.