Equinox: Life, Love, and Birds of Prey
ISBN: , SKU: , AUTHOR: O'Brien, Dan, PUBLISHER: Lyons Press, The gripping account of one autumn season of falconry and spiritual renewal by award-winning author Dan O'Brien. Dan O'Brien has been consumed with a lifelong passion for falconry. As he approaches his fiftieth birthday, the autumnal equinox of his life, feeling a waning sense of purpose, he decides to devote himself entirely for a season to his greatest loves -- falconry, his bird dogs, and the South Dakota prairie he calls home. He takes on a remarkable falcon chick who immediately distinguishes herself with her ferocity; he names the bird Harley and trains her in the ways of falconry. Harley's powers of flight are awe-inspiring, her hunting success astounding. Like a lover, she captivates him. O'Brien hunts with her obsessively, reveling in her prowess and beauty. And then, one day, she is gone. Set in the high plains of South Dakota, "Equinox" is the chronicle of Harley, and much more: It is the story of a life lived closely to the natural cycles of the earth, and a midlife revelation of the importance of staying connected to all things held dear. Lovers of nature and fine writing, and all those facing their own personal autumns, will relish this marvelous book.