Discovering Wisdom Through Falconry
In ‘Be More Bird’ by Candida Meyrick (William Collins, £16.99, 198pp), readers embark on a captivating journey blending memoir, falconry guide, and life lessons. The book chronicles Meyrick’s path after acquiring a Harris hawk named Bird in 2020, forging an unexpected partnership with this majestic creature.
A few years prior, Meyrick faced a cancer diagnosis that reshaped her worldview during treatment. Everyday joys—like relaxing in a hammock or observing her children—transformed into profound connections with the world. Embracing the present became her anchor, emerging stronger and seeking a companion to embody this renewed perspective. A hawk proved the perfect match.
Lessons from a Wild Companion
Falconry, as Meyrick describes, involves nurturing a bond with a free-spirited animal, offering insights into their perspective. Each chapter opens with a key takeaway inspired by the hawk, covering topics from enhancing parenting skills to confronting life’s end.
For instance, observing Bird soar beyond sight and return builds trust, mirroring Meyrick’s relief during her daughter’s first unaccompanied transatlantic flight. Hawks embody independence, strength, and elegance, explaining their historical role as companions to royalty. Despite weighing no more than a bag of sugar, these birds expertly hunt prey as large as roe deer.
The Hawk’s Remarkable Self-Healing
One striking anecdote highlights Bird’s resourcefulness. Shortly after joining the family, the hawk collided with a tree at 33 mph, injuring her talons and causing an infection. Fearing the worst, Meyrick watched as Bird, during her next outing, targeted a white willow tree, scraping and nibbling its bark. Remarkably, the carnivorous hawk then foraged wild thyme leaves.
White willow contains salicin, the key compound in aspirin for pain relief, while thyme offers potent antiseptic properties. Bird’s innate knowledge of these remedies led to a swift recovery, showcasing nature’s pharmacy in action. This tale stands out as a practical lesson for anyone encountering minor injuries near such plants.
A Life of Aristocratic Aerie
Meyrick’s world extends beyond the hawk, featuring an established aviary, free-roaming peacocks, and references to her husband’s 700-year lineage. Residing near a grand estate, she draws universally relatable wisdom from her feathered friend, making the book a delightful source of avian-inspired insights.
