Tina Morris’s memoir, Return to the Sky, recounts her pioneering work in the reintroduction of bald eagles to the eastern United States, a project that began during a time when these majestic birds were on the brink of extinction. The narrative begins with Morris’s somewhat unorthodox entry into the world of zookeeping, securing a position at the Louisville Zoo after cleverly concealing her fear of snakes during her interview. Her experiences with the zoo’s elephants, Mary and Laura, instilled in her a deep understanding of animal captivity and sparked a growing fascination with birds, particularly birds of prey. A conversation with the Head Curator, who dismissed raptors as “boring” exhibit animals due to their diminished vitality in captivity, further fueled Morris’s interest and led her to pursue falconry. This pursuit eventually brought her to Cornell University, where she worked with renowned ornithologist Tom Cade, founder of The Peregrine Fund, and learned the intricacies of "hacking," a process used to rewild captive-bred peregrine falcons.
Morris’s expertise in hacking peregrine falcons paved the way for her groundbreaking work with bald eagles. In 1974, while a graduate student at Cornell, she was tasked with adapting her skills to rehabilitate and reintroduce bald eagles to the East Coast, a population decimated by human persecution, habitat destruction, and the devastating effects of DDT. This undertaking marked a significant turning point in her career, placing her at the forefront of a historically important conservation effort. Despite her experience with peregrines, the bald eagle project presented unique challenges, demanding innovation and unwavering commitment as she navigated uncharted territory with minimal supervision. The weight of responsibility was immense, as the future of these iconic birds rested largely on her shoulders.
The year 1976 marked a pivotal moment in Morris’s journey. Entrusted with the care of two ten-week-old bald eagle chicks, designated W1 and W2, she embarked on an intensive period of fostering and observation at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in New York. This location held historical significance, having previously supported a thriving bald eagle population until 1959. Isolated in a campsite near the eagles’ artificial nest, Morris dedicated herself to their survival, providing them with a diet of roadkill and carp, painstakingly delivered using a makeshift tool – a barbecue fork attached to a long stick. Witnessing the chicks grow stronger with each passing day, Morris’s own knowledge and confidence soared, solidifying her commitment to this critical endeavor.
The success of the initial release led to a subsequent challenge the following year: raising and releasing a larger cohort of five bald eagle chicks. This group presented a greater level of complexity, comprising two third-hatched chicks (individuals less likely to survive in the wild without intervention), two captive-bred siblings from the Patuxent facility, and a chick from Minnesota with a fractured leg. Despite the varied challenges posed by each chick, Morris successfully guided them to fledging, watching as they soared into the skies above Montezuma. Their departure left a void in her life, a sense of desolation that was unexpectedly interrupted by a profound honor: the chiefs of the Iroquois’ Six Nation Confederacy recognized her dedication and inducted her into their tribe, bestowing upon her the name “She-who-feeds.”
The true magnitude of Morris’s contribution unfolded decades later, highlighting the far-reaching impact of her work. One of the eagles she had released, M3, the chick from Minnesota with the fractured leg, not only survived but thrived. He paired with a female, established a nest, and eventually found a second mate, becoming the most prolific and longest-living bald eagle on record. M3’s remarkable lifespan of 35 years and his estimated 70 offspring underscore the enduring legacy of this reintroduction program. His story remained unknown until his death, after being struck by a car while scavenging roadkill, his leg band bearing the number 03142 finally revealing his identity and connecting him back to Morris’s early efforts. M3’s story became a testament to the potential for long-term success in wildlife conservation and the profound ripple effects of a single individual’s dedication.
Morris’s memoir unveils a critical chapter in the history of bald eagle conservation, showcasing the power of individual action in the face of environmental challenges. The surprise expressed by the reviewer at not knowing about Morris’s work, despite being familiar with the field and some of her colleagues, underscores the often-unheralded nature of such vital contributions. This raises the important question of how many other unsung heroes of conservation remain unknown. Return to the Sky serves as both an inspiring personal narrative and a timely reminder of the importance of conservation efforts in a world grappling with biodiversity loss. It is a testament to human capacity for positive change and a call to action for future generations to continue the fight for the preservation of our natural world. The book stands as a powerful illustration of how one person’s passion and dedication can make a profound difference in the fight against extinction, offering hope and inspiration for continued efforts to protect endangered species and their fragile ecosystems.
