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Gifts of an Eagle: The Remarkable Story of a Bird and Her Family
New York Times The “extraordinary” true story of a golden eagle adopted by a California ranching family, and how she changed their lives (Delia Ephron). In 1955, Ed Durden brought a baby golden eagle home to his ranch in California, where she would stay for the next sixteen years. As her bond with Ed and the Durden family grew, the eagle, named Lady, displayed a fierce intelligence and strong personality. She learned quickly, had a strong mothering instinct (even for other species), and never stopped surprising those who cared for her. An eight-week New York Times bestseller, Gifts of an Eagle is a fascinating up-close look at one of the most majestic creatures in nature, as well as a heartwarming family story and “an affectionate, unsentimental tribute” (Kirkus Reviews).
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1972
About the author
Kent Durden
4 books1 followerKent Durden (1937–2007) was a wildlife photographer, documentarian, and writer best known for his acclaimed book Gifts of an Eagle (1972), an account of his family’s sixteen years caring for a golden eagle named Lady.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 11, 2011
A random find in the library. As always, it is interesting to learn about accomodating wildlife in captivity, in this case a golden eagle names Lady. At times it is either touching or amusing, namely Lady's parternership with the author's father and her keen hatred of the author. I was not a fan of the justification for Lady's initial capture: she was a healthy, tended chick taken from her nest to be used for education and research (according to their permit). But from the telling here I don't think they upheld that agreement; I didn't see aspects of "education" and "research" nearly as much as "making movies" and "having a pet eagle is cool." At the end she decides to leave her humans. The tone is bittersweet yet optimistic, but let's be serious. Its likely that her life in captivity did not suitably prepare her for a successful life in the wild. I just hope that these days it's much, much more difficult to get legal permission to rob raptor nests (or disturb native wildlife populations in general).
November 23, 2021
Very cute read. Found this book going through some old stuff. There was a note in the front to my grandfather when he was a kid from his parents (two eagle lovers to another it read). His birthday was recent; he would have been 77 this year. I didn’t get to know him that well as I was very young when he passed, but I always knew his love of eagles. So this read was very enjoyable knowing that he enjoyed reading it as well.
Good true story about a father and son who raise a golden eagle out in CA. Talks about what they learned and all the antics they got into. The best plot line is that the eagle couldn’t raise her own eggs, so the dad would switch them out with goose eggs and the eagle would raise baby geese.
Good true story about a father and son who raise a golden eagle out in CA. Talks about what they learned and all the antics they got into. The best plot line is that the eagle couldn’t raise her own eggs, so the dad would switch them out with goose eggs and the eagle would raise baby geese.
November 21, 2017
This is definitely not a bad 2 star review more of 'there was about two stars worth of information in here'. It was a very short, very simple little read. Nothing I read blew me away or made a huge impact but the information and lifestyle Kent Durden's family had was fascinating. I just wish there had been much, much more to it.
March 7, 2019
I would have given it 4.5 stars but because That is not possible and I did enjoy reading this, I gave it 5. I was introduced to this book via Amazon’s kindle daily deals. Apparently this is an old best time seller but I had never heard about it until Amazon featured it and I am so glad they did. Now I did misunderstand what the story was going to be about; I thought it was going to be about people who use golden eagles for hunting companions and that relationship has always intrigued me so I bought it thinking it was about that. Instead, it was about this man and his son who got a permit (when such a thing was allowed) to take an egg from a nest and raise the bird for “educational” purposes. I put educational in quotations because I did find it hard at times to see that it was purely for educational purposes and especially because at the end of the book, the author took a dig at zoos which I really found hypocritical thus my wanting to knock it down a star. I hate that towards the end of the book they made those remarks towards zoos. It’s not like they were raising this bird just for education. There are chapters on what they did just for fun. They couldn’t have provided for Lady had they not in a way exploited her in Hollywood. True they took care of her but I could easily apply their reasoning for not liking zoos to them keeping Lady. However I do not, because I understand what it takes to educate and instill a passion for creation stewardship in the public and thus animal’s are needed to become ambassadors to raise awareness for their species. So I really hated the dig at the end after reading how they used Lady. Again, I am not necessarily against what they did, but it seems pretty hypocritical to me. On a different note, the story was educational. I learned a lot. I enjoyed a lot. It was a balance between educating and entertainment. It read easily and well.
Recommend for:
Age 8+
Bird enthusiasts
Raptor enthusiasts
Animal lovers
Animal trainers/keepers
Recommend for:
Age 8+
Bird enthusiasts
Raptor enthusiasts
Animal lovers
Animal trainers/keepers
January 5, 2022
"This 'extraordinary', 'delightful,' 'magnificent' book is about a golden eagle named Lady. As irresistible as the animals who dominated such best-selling classics as Ring of Bright Water, Born Free, andRascal, Lady -- fierce, unpredictable, untamable, yet in some strange and magic way accepting the friendship and the love of a human being -- draws the reader into her own wild and spacious world.
"Captured as a nestling, Lady was raised by Kent Durden and his father at their home in the coastal mountains of Southern California. She lived with them for sixteen years until the breath-taking moment when she flew back to freedom with a wild mate. Gifts of an Eagle is about Lady's years in captivity and the day-by-day revelations of the complex, baffling, proud and somehow touching personality that lies behind the gleaming eyes of this one very individual eagle.
"Writing with precision and authority, in a way that will 'put the lie to many myths about the golden eagle,' Kent Durden tells of Lady's training and her astounding level of intelligence, of her endearing adoption of a gosling and the unique, often humorous problems she faces as a foster parent, of her defense of her own chosen territory, of her unswerving loyalty and affection for one man alone, Ed Durden, the author's father.
"What emerges from Gifts of an Eagle is a heartfelt, moving insight into the courageous, unconquerable nature of one of the great predators. As a symbol of those animals on the verge of extinction, Lady gives us all a chance to understand how vital they are in the balance of nature and thereby makes a strong plea for a new alliance between man and wildlife, so necessary for survival, so important in undoing the destruction which has already begun."~~front & back flaps
This book was published in 1972, and it's very apparent that it's not more "modern." The language is almost rudimentary, and while descriptive, the level and craftsmanship of the language is definitely not up to 2020 standards. It was an interesting story, but all through the book I kept missing the depth and breadth a really skilled writer could have given the book.
"Captured as a nestling, Lady was raised by Kent Durden and his father at their home in the coastal mountains of Southern California. She lived with them for sixteen years until the breath-taking moment when she flew back to freedom with a wild mate. Gifts of an Eagle is about Lady's years in captivity and the day-by-day revelations of the complex, baffling, proud and somehow touching personality that lies behind the gleaming eyes of this one very individual eagle.
"Writing with precision and authority, in a way that will 'put the lie to many myths about the golden eagle,' Kent Durden tells of Lady's training and her astounding level of intelligence, of her endearing adoption of a gosling and the unique, often humorous problems she faces as a foster parent, of her defense of her own chosen territory, of her unswerving loyalty and affection for one man alone, Ed Durden, the author's father.
"What emerges from Gifts of an Eagle is a heartfelt, moving insight into the courageous, unconquerable nature of one of the great predators. As a symbol of those animals on the verge of extinction, Lady gives us all a chance to understand how vital they are in the balance of nature and thereby makes a strong plea for a new alliance between man and wildlife, so necessary for survival, so important in undoing the destruction which has already begun."~~front & back flaps
This book was published in 1972, and it's very apparent that it's not more "modern." The language is almost rudimentary, and while descriptive, the level and craftsmanship of the language is definitely not up to 2020 standards. It was an interesting story, but all through the book I kept missing the depth and breadth a really skilled writer could have given the book.
September 22, 2017
This is a heartwarming account of a family's relationship with a Golden Eagle. One of those books that had me spellbound from beginning to end. I learned so much about this American species: so much was revealed about the emotions and intelligence of this great bird of prey, especially, its ability to form a loving bond with one human (enough so that she was willing to share and trust him with the nesting duties of a parent eagle). When you consider the communication barrier that exists, it's amazing to realize how quickly eagles adapt, especially in problem-solving. The history of Lady, the name of the eagle, will forever be captured not just in print but also on film educating those of us who are curious. I thoroughly enjoyed the story....the writing was easy to read interspersed with an occasional drawing. This is definitely a book I'd recommend to both adult and children to read.
November 18, 2021
Initially I was concerned how the ethics in this story would hold up through the lens of endangered wildlife in the current era. However, aside from inherent issues with the initial theft of an eagle egg from it's nest, and the beginning of taming the eaglet, this account proved to be heartwarming.
The eagle had excellent care, exercise, enrichment, habitat, and a better life than zoo eagles at that time.
The author's father did indeed advance the knowledge of Golden Eagles and educate the public, for the betterment of all.
This is an older book that is still well worth a read.
The eagle had excellent care, exercise, enrichment, habitat, and a better life than zoo eagles at that time.
The author's father did indeed advance the knowledge of Golden Eagles and educate the public, for the betterment of all.
This is an older book that is still well worth a read.
March 21, 2017
Such a wonderful book.
So glad I read this...I have been a bird watcher since childhood. I count birds for researchers in the winter. And it is true that you CAN establish a relationship with these beautiful, glorious creatures!
So glad I read this...I have been a bird watcher since childhood. I count birds for researchers in the winter. And it is true that you CAN establish a relationship with these beautiful, glorious creatures!
November 20, 2012
This is a great read. It was written back in 1972. One man and his golden eagle named Lady. He did what no one since would ever be able to do. These birds are federally protected now. In part because of his work with Lady. She was never tamed. She was allowed to still be herself and she allowed one man to get close to her. They did several shorts for Disney and episodes of the TV show Lassie. These were not your typically trained stunts. they were film footage of her just being her interspersed with the series footage. You get to see a Golden Eagle in it's glory of flight, caring for it's adoptive young, from ducklings to owlets and then two eagles. Lady stayed with Ed Dyrden for 16 years until she found a mate. Then she went off to a life of her own with a proper mate of her own species.
This is a great book for anyone that loves learning more about the wonders of nature. This should rank up there with Born Free. But most people know that one because they could make a film about it. This one I don't think you could do that.
This is a great book for anyone that loves learning more about the wonders of nature. This should rank up there with Born Free. But most people know that one because they could make a film about it. This one I don't think you could do that.
May 20, 2019
Raising a golden eagle in captivity teaches the Durdens much. They teach Lady but she teaches them more. They watch as learns and figures things out. They also learn if and how she will parent. Using this knowledge they film Lady and she stars in several Walt Disney productions as well as other Hollywood productions. The Durdens also show that what Lady does is not a Hollywood script.
I loved this book. It teaches but is full of humor especially towards the son. He becomes Lady's enemy in her eyes while his dad is her mate especially during egg laying season. When the family goes house hunting it is funny as the wife explains what they need for the eagle. She'll be happy with two baths. It is a quick read but informative and humorous and shows golden eagles in a way most of us have not seen.
I loved this book. It teaches but is full of humor especially towards the son. He becomes Lady's enemy in her eyes while his dad is her mate especially during egg laying season. When the family goes house hunting it is funny as the wife explains what they need for the eagle. She'll be happy with two baths. It is a quick read but informative and humorous and shows golden eagles in a way most of us have not seen.
February 26, 2016
An amazing book about the relationship between an Eagle and its 'adopted' family. Lady, captured by Kent Durden and his Father just before fledging from her nest, is a golden eagle. This story captures her raw spirit and her life, from learning to ride on the glove to free flight, starring in the original Lassie show and terrorizing Kent, to raising goslings and finally returning to the wild. This is a tale that will make anyone see eagles in a new light. I read this in high school, it was a secondhand gift from my grandmother, and I fell in love with it. Short but poignant. Having gone on to work with birds of prey myself and one stunning golden eagle in particular, this book is all the more meaningful to me.
February 5, 2015
I like wildlife books so it isn't hard to find much to like about this first person narrative about a family who raise a golden eagle from a eaglet to a full-grown bird of prey. Some of the stories are hilarious and the bird's personality and strength are clearly defined. There are references about the story and film footage being used by Disney and producers of Lassie but I do not remember either. The end of the book is thoroughly gratifying. A light, pleasant read.
December 4, 2016
A story that has it all
This has earned a 5-star rating. I rarely award that these days for it is a rare book which earns that ranking. I stand humbled before an author who has told a necessary tale about a true wild hero. It was easy to love the subject. I thank the Durdens who left us this wonderful story.
This has earned a 5-star rating. I rarely award that these days for it is a rare book which earns that ranking. I stand humbled before an author who has told a necessary tale about a true wild hero. It was easy to love the subject. I thank the Durdens who left us this wonderful story.
May 17, 2019
Eagle Story
This is a good ok from which to will learn a lot. The author teaches about the behavior and intenstincts of an eagle. He talks about the filming they did and the things they were able to teach her. It is good to see that the story has an ending that anyone would appreciate
This is a good ok from which to will learn a lot. The author teaches about the behavior and intenstincts of an eagle. He talks about the filming they did and the things they were able to teach her. It is good to see that the story has an ending that anyone would appreciate
March 7, 2009
This ended up being pretty boring, and the order of events was a bit hard to follow. If I hadn't been stuck on a four-hour flight with nothing else to do, I might not have stuck it out and finished this one.
July 31, 2013
Overall this is a nice read about a fascinating creature and the decent folks that it lives with. I found the eagle content very interesting, and the human/eagle interactions charming and amazing. The books ending was satisfying.
April 17, 2019
This was a wonderful book about people living with and learning from animals and nature. It was a well written interesting book with some funny moments. It was great to read. I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
August 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this as an audio book on a trip. It engaged me and brought me to tears by the end. I felt as if I owned the eagle and loved it as much as they did! Thank you for writing a book for nature-lovers to enjoy!
December 20, 2016
Ahh, life back in the 1950s, when one could steal a golden eaglet from the nest, raise it in captivity, and make money selling film clips to Disney.
Views on animals have changed a lot since then and this wasn't a great read for me.
Views on animals have changed a lot since then and this wasn't a great read for me.
June 5, 2018
Great book!
Never thought eagles had such great intelligence. This book shows the range and ability to learn of a Golden eagle. Even though it was written years ago It is still true today. An amazing story.
Never thought eagles had such great intelligence. This book shows the range and ability to learn of a Golden eagle. Even though it was written years ago It is still true today. An amazing story.
December 11, 2018
A lovely story about a man and an eagle. The writing is easy and the twists and turns keep you turning pages.....This is one of those books that you hate to put down. Definitely worth the couple of hours to read it. I highly recommend it, if you enjoy the interaction between humans and wildlife.
June 2, 2009
This book was excellent if you are an animal lover.
September 10, 2012
While you never find someone allowed to keep a golden eagle now, this is the enthralling story of Lady and the man who showed the world the wonders of an eagle
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews