A Remarkable Bond with a Harris Hawk
Candida Meyrick shares her transformative journey in the book Be More Bird, blending memoir, falconry guide, and life lessons inspired by her Harris hawk named Bird. Acquired in 2020, this powerful bird became an unlikely companion during a profound personal shift.
Years earlier, Meyrick faced a cancer diagnosis, navigating the uncertainties of treatment. This experience reshaped her perspective, turning everyday moments—like relaxing in a hammock or observing her children—into profound connections with the world. Embracing the present became her anchor, emerging stronger and seeking a partner to embody this renewed vitality.
Lessons from the Wild: Partnership Over Control
Falconry, as Meyrick describes, fosters a true partnership with a wild creature, offering a window into their untamed world. Each chapter opens with insights drawn from Bird, covering topics from enhancing family bonds to confronting life’s end.
For instance, observing Bird soar beyond sight and return builds trust, mirroring Meyrick’s efforts to ease worries about her daughter’s first solo flight across the Atlantic. These birds embody independence, strength, and elegance, explaining their historical appeal to royalty. Despite weighing no more than a bag of sugar, hawks excel as hunters, capable of felling roe deer.
Astonishing Act of Self-Healing
Bird’s resilience shines in a striking incident shortly after joining the family. Flying at 33 mph into a tree, she injured her talons, leading to infection. Fearing the worst, Meyrick watched as Bird, during her next outing, headed straight to a white willow tree. The hawk scraped her beak on the bark and nibbled it, then sought out wild thyme to consume.
Remarkably, white willow contains salicin, the key compound in aspirin for pain relief, while thyme offers strong antiseptic properties. This instinctive behavior, from a strictly carnivorous bird, restored Bird to full health, highlighting nature’s pharmacy at work.
Universal Wisdom from an Unusual Life
Meyrick’s world extends beyond the ordinary, with an established aviary, roaming peacocks, and ties to a 700-year family legacy. A quick search reveals her as Lady Candida Meyrick, posed with Bird before a grand estate. Yet, the wisdom extracted from her hawk transcends privilege, delivering accessible nuggets on living fully.
Be More Bird by Candida Meyrick invites readers to explore these avian-inspired truths, available in bookstores now.
