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An Eagle’s Sky: My Life as a Birdman
A Memoir by John StokesThe sky is literally the limit for Stokes’ commitment to wildlife. A hang-glider pilot for as many decades as he has been a raptor caretaker, Stokes’ two passions made global headlines when he helped a one-winged bald eagle fly again. Osceola, the 35-year-old bald eagle, who is now part of the Wings to Soar cast, has been under Stokes’ care since 1983, when an injury made it necessary to amputate his left wing.Stokes’ book, published in 2013, chronicles his wild journey, from his childhood fascination with songbirds to that moment he returned Osceola to the sky during a historic hang-gliding flight. (Contributed photo by Sharon Clay)For more information visit osceolabaldeagle.com.
Buddy, the screech owl, is the darling of the show. Cody, the red-tailed hawk, is the most magnificent act. And Cayce, the black vulture who closes the show with a jig and a couple of swift pecks to his handler’s leg, is arguably the star of Rock City Raptors, an interactive bird exhibit presented through Wings to Soar.
Founded in 2004 by husband-wife team John Stokes and Dale Kernahan, Wings to Soar is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to raise environmental awareness through educational programs featuring non-releasable raptors. Between them, Stokes and Kernahan have a combined 63 years of experience working with the animals. They share a two-acre property where they house 19 birds of prey, nine of which are showcased in the couple’s touring program.
The birds come to the couple by way of wildlife rehabilitators, who commonly receive raptors due to wing injuries, eye injuries or human-imprinting, which, simply put, is when a bird does not know it is a bird. If a rehabber deems an animal non-releasable, he or she must find licensed caretakers, such as Wings to Soar, to keep the bird for educational purposes. Otherwise, the bird must be euthanized.