Conversations with an Eagle: The Story of a Remarkable Relationship

By Brenda Cox

Brenda Cox recounts her remarkable relationship with Ichabod, a female bald eagle. Cox meets Ichabod for the first time when the ten-week-old bird, blown from her nest tree, is brought to stay at the wildlife rehabilitation centre where Cox is a supervisor. Cox has been drawn to raptors since she was a child, and she watches Ichabod with fascination. One day, crab-walking into Ichabod's cage to deliver a dead quail for dinner, Cox hears a noise behind her and turns to find herself "looking into eyes that could see a fish from a mile in the sky." Ichabod's eyes are bright and curious and the colour of brown sugar-and Cox is hooked.
Conversations with an Eagle is full of lore about the bald eagle, North America's most dramatic raptor. Many of us have admired eagles as they soar high overhead, their wingspans regularly stretching seven feet or more. But few people come within breathing distance of these magnificent birds. In its depiction of how two very different creatures managed to form an enduring bond, this book is the next best thing to being there yourself.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1550548115
• ISBN13: 9781550548112
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Greystone Books
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 2.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

A Remarkable Relationship between a Lady and an Eagle

Conversations With an Eagle, is the fascinating story of author, Brenda Cox's unique and personally transformative quest to train a Bald Eagle named Ichabod, which was brought into the Orphaned Wildlife Center in British Columbia, Western Canada. Brenda's single-minded dedication to Ichabod extended over a period of several years, during which time she was able to accomplish something that no human had ever done before...She adapted techniques developed over the centuries in the ancient art of Falconry, becoming the first person ever to train an Eagle to perch on her gauntlet and respond to the facconer's commands. This is indeed a fascinating tale, which should appeal to anyone interested in birds of prey, and the complex interactions between humans and the Natural World. In her first literary creation, author Brenda Cox reaches out to the hearts of her readers with an honest and forthright style. The spirit of her beautiful story is perhaps best expressed in the quote by Loren Eisley, with which she opens her book: There are people who do not know who they are until they watch their reflection in an eye other than human. Ellott Maynard, Ph.D., President, Arcos Cielos Research Center.

For anyone with an interest in aviary wildlife

Conversations With An Eagle: The Story Of A Remarkable Friendship is the personal account of Brenda Cox, a woman whose unique bonding experience with a bald eagle was to affect the course of both their lives. Brenda first met the magnificent raptor when it was twelve weeks old, and cared for it at the wildlife rehabilitation center where she volunteered her time. Brenda trained the bald eagle with falconry techniques (something that few human beings have ever had the privilege to attempt, let alone succeed), and suffered deep loss when her raptor friend unexpectedly perished after moving to a private aviary. Conversations With An Eagle is an amazing, memorable true story, and highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in aviary wildlife or unusual life stories.