The Eye Is an Eagle

David Allinson is the president of the Rocky Point Bird Observatory in Victoria, B.C.

This book captures a lifetime of Pierre Morency’s observations of and
experiences with the natural world, especially in his home province of
Quebec. The French original has been ably translated by Linda Gaboriau,
except for the odd incorrect English common name for some species.

Although Morency is an excellent observer and recorder of nature, this
book reveals occasions on which he exhibited a disregard of nature.
First, he describes enjoying causing flocks of feeding shorebirds to
take flight and watching as they whirl about in tight formation. Next,
he admits his own distaste for bats and relates an unfortunate tale that
sees him killing bats. Most distressing is a recollection from his
childhood when he and some friends bludgeoned to death a porcupine they
had stumbled across. Perhaps Morency brings these tales of his own
mistakes to the fore to reveal how humans mistreat their natural world;
whatever the case, they do detract from those chapters in which he
reveals his ability to interact with and enjoy nature without any
interference.

Besides relating his observations and experiences, Morency also
provides fascinating information on such topics as the medicinal
qualities of dandelions and paper birch, the role of plants and animals
in the culture of early North American aboriginals, word origins, and
animal myths and legends.

Its accessible style and interesting stories make this book a must-have
for anyone who appreciates nature or who spends time in the outdoors.
Its readers will find themselves stimulated to recall and record their
own experiences and feelings about nature.