This is a true story of a man, John Stokes, who wields his lifelong passion for birds and flight to overcome adversity to ultimately free himself and a one-winged Bald Eagle from its earthly bonds.
This is an incredible true story about a man who wields his visceral passion for birds and flight that ultimately leads to giving a one-winged Bald Eagle a second chance to fly. Follow John Stokes as he takes you down the remarkable path of his life, from his early fascination with sparrows to later establishing a bird rehabilitation program where he meets Osceola, the eagle that changes his life. Learn about John’s influences and events that lead to his goal to work with eagles. The reader will feel John’s heartbreak, disappointment and eventual triumph as he returns Osceola to the sky in their historic hang gliding flights.
Excerpt
I have a bird’s eye view of the land. It is a clear, warm spring day. The sun has been up for an hour now and I can smell dogwood flowers and freshly cut grass. This is not unusual for this time of the year, but considering the fact that I am three thousand feet in the air flying over Lookout Valley, it is remarkable. As I glide above this vernal landscape, I forget for a moment my human form and think about what it is like to be a bird. I feel the freedom of being able to go where one wishes. In the moment, I have the ability to disconnect from the earthbound world and the problems sometimes associated with it. Below me, below us, are two Red-tailed Hawks. Perhaps this is a pair and maybe they are searching for a place to build their nest. I wonder if Osceola sees them. I glance over my shoulder and sure enough, he is looking down, watching the birds as they pass below us. Soon, the hawks fly out of sight.
It has been 12 years since he has flown. The Incident, the shooting, left him crippled and unable to fly. Still, I know he has the desire to become airborne. Over the years, we have shared many things like heartbreak and defeat and have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and life changing events. Osceola has helped me through all of this. Our lives have been intertwined. But now, it is time to give him something back in payment for all he has done for me. The ultimate gift I can give is flight. For a second, we lock eyes. We come from different worlds but are kindred spirits and share the love of the sky. I turn my head and re-focus on our flight. I feel the surge of the dogwood scented thermal updraft and bank my hang glider into a turn. We start to climb and before too long, we gain a few hundred feet of altitude. My mind drifts…
Professional Reviews
Uplifting and Beautiful
This is one story I truly hope the entire world gets to read. This book taught me so much about our beautiful birds of prey. John Stokes is an inspiration to all! He takes the reader on this amazing journey with him! Your heart will swoop and soar through the struggles and successes as both bird and man spread their wings. I will never look up at a bird flying in the sky without thinking of Osceola, the bald eagle. You will laugh and cry. Amazing book! A MUST read! Tina Theeke
Great read! This one is a page turner!
Great read! This one is a page turner! John writes a beautiful story of his quest to work with birds of prey and ultimately to help his one winged friend, American Bald Eagle, Osceola, to fly again - with John in his hang glider! John's kind, caring and funny personality is reflected in his work. I laughed, was intrigued, angered and excited. This story is not written just for birders; it is appealing to all with John's antecdotes of his personal life, work life and learning to hang glide when hang gliding was in its infancy. Put this one at the top of your reading list! Phyllis Tish Gailmard
Great story, true and engaging
If you want a lovely story about one man's purpose in life and engaging thoroughly and completely in following that. It is a great success story about a life well lived in my opinion and gives me hope. The descriptions about the birds and their histories and conclusions are compelling. I really enjoyed this book. Christina Holmes
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