A Remarkable Bond Between Woman and Bird
After battling cancer and emerging with a renewed appreciation for life’s simple joys, Candida Meyrick sought a companion to embody her transformed perspective. In 2020, she acquired a Harris hawk named Bird, forging an extraordinary partnership that reshaped her understanding of freedom and trust.
Falconry, as Meyrick describes it, transcends mere ownership. It involves cultivating a mutual relationship with a wild creature, offering insights into their untamed world. Her experiences, detailed in the book Be More Bird published by William Collins, blend memoir, practical guidance for aspiring falconers, and profound life lessons drawn from observing her hawk.
Lessons from the Wild: Trust and Independence
Each segment of the narrative highlights a key takeaway inspired by Bird’s behavior. For instance, watching the hawk vanish into the sky and return on her own terms taught Meyrick to release her worries, particularly during her daughter’s first unaccompanied transatlantic flight. This exercise in trust mirrored the hawk’s innate independence.
Harris hawks embody power and elegance despite their lightweight frames—often no heavier than a bag of sugar. Historically favored by royalty, these birds demonstrate remarkable hunting prowess, capable of felling prey as large as roe deer.
The Hawk’s Astonishing Self-Healing Ability
One particularly striking episode underscores the hawk’s resourcefulness. Shortly after joining the Meyrick household, Bird collided with a tree at speeds reaching 33 mph, injuring her talons. The wounds became infected, raising fears for her survival.
During a subsequent outing, the hawk flew directly to a white willow tree, methodically scraping her beak against the bark and consuming small portions. She then turned to wild thyme, nibbling on the herb despite her strictly carnivorous diet. Remarkably, white willow contains salicin, the natural precursor to aspirin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Thyme, meanwhile, offers potent antiseptic qualities. Bird’s instinctive choices led to a swift recovery, showcasing an innate grasp of nature’s medicinal offerings.
This incident highlights a practical survival tip: In remote areas, white willow bark could serve as a natural remedy for pain and inflammation.
Universal Wisdom from an Unconventional Life
Meyrick’s world extends beyond the ordinary, featuring an aviary, free-roaming peacocks, and a family heritage spanning seven centuries. As Lady Candida Meyrick, she resides near a grand historic estate. Yet, the insights gleaned from Bird transcend her privileged backdrop, offering accessible wisdom on topics ranging from parenting to confronting mortality.
Through her hawk’s eyes, Meyrick invites readers to embrace presence and resilience, turning everyday observations into transformative guidance.
