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Background
Information
The harpy eagle is a large crested gray and white eagle that nests at the
top of emergent rain forest trees. From there, it surveys the forested domain
below, plotting forays into the canopy. When hunting, it deftly maneuvers
amongst the branches and - on the wing - snatches up monkeys, sloths, opossums,
smaller birds and other tree-dwelling animals with its massive talons. While
other eagles have larger wingspans, none can match the sheer power of the
harpy. For some rain forest people, who refer to it as 'The Spirit Protector,'
it is the embodiment of power - physical and spiritual. Yet, the harpy is
an endangered species, largely because many of the wide tracts of uninterrupted
forest which it needs for survival have been interrupted - by humans.
These days harpies are rarely seen and very difficult for ornithologists to
study in the wild - which only adds to their mystique. Yet, amazingly, some
rain forest peoples are familiar enough with this bird to capture it and keep
it as sort of a regal pet - the resident protector.
In The Song of the Harpy Eagle, the harpy eagle takes on the role assigned
her by the rain forest peoples: she is 'The Forest Protector.' But
since she can't protect the forest alone, she challenges the students
of Mr. Figinblossom (and your students) to journey to the rain forest, ascend
the emergent kapok tree and learn 'The Secret of the Forest Protector.'
Along the way, the adventuresome students encounter a host of rain forest
animals which impart 'the wisdom of the wild' through their songs.
