Learning from Birds of Prey

When the time is right everything works like clockwork. Without effort. As if it could not get any better. And yesterday was one of those days for my family.
We woke up to bright blue skies in the Northeast of England - imagine that. The sun was actually out and it felt like a veil had been lifted off the city. Mind you by Bermuda standards it was a perfect winter's day with the coolness in the air. But you would never think it based on the number of people that were sitting outside basking in the sun. Teeshirts replacing coats while we, of course, were bundled up. Looking like the tourists we are.
We headed out to Kielder Forest. This time getting there in no time flat. No wrong turns. Finding the forest because it was meant for us to be there. Unlike Wednesay when we could not find the right road. Instead yesterday we drove through beautiful countryside sometimes being totally umbrelled by large oak trees lining the narrow roads making us feel as if we were driving through an Enchanted Garden. Then we would come out of the canopy of oak trees to find wide open fields filled with red poppies filling my spirit with pure joy. Those fields being replaced by mares and their foals in fields, sheep, wild bunnies hopping along the sides of the road. Nature at its best under the crisp blue skies allowing me to inhale and exhale all the abundance surrounding our journey.
When we reached the Kielder Forest, I have to admit that I was apprehensive about doing a workshop on birds of prey and I was less than enthused about feeding them. But the Kielder Birds of Prey centre was one of the cleanest  places I have been to. Our young guide, Johnathan, was so passioante about the birds that his passion was infectious. Soon we were all drawn into the story of each bird at the centre. Learning more than any of us could ever learn on our own about birds. Interesting facts like birds really don't like to fly. They only fly for food and other than that they are content to sit and wait or glide on thermals.
Then we met Jay, the owner of the centre, and he was even more knowledgeable and passionate than Johnathan. We fed merlins, owls, and hawks while they sat on our gloved arms.  Allowing us to become comfortable with the birds. Then Jay took us on a walk through the forest with a Harris Hawk called Tazer. As we were walking along Jay suddenly launched Tazer into the air and he flew effortlessly into the trees. Then Jay put a piece of chicken onto his glove and Tazer came soaring gently down to sit on his glove and eat the chicken. He then allowed each one of us to put on the glove so Tazer could land on it and feed while on our arm. At first I was very nervous. But after doing it, we all agreed it was one of the best experiences we have ever had.
Unlike the aggression I had imagined we would sense from the hawk, it was completely the opposite. I got to look right in Tazer's eyes and saw he had a soul just like mine. That he had feelings just as I do. And what I realised more than anything is that each creature has a position in life. Either as the hunted or the hunter. With the roles constantly reversing. Just like us. That this bird had such an immense power about him yet all he wanted was to be fed and cared for as do we. That there is not much difference between us and the other inhabitants on this earth. Whether human or animal.
We then went back to the centre and took part in the public afternoon show.  We were front and centre with Jay because he knew we were capable of handling the birds under his direction. My daughter was excited to be in the show. Jay and Johnathan brought out a beautiful Eagle Owl called Deed who soared silently over the top of my daughter's head to get a piece of chicken from Jay's glove. An American black vulture called Cora stole the show with her hilarious personality. Pelicans sending unruly children running back to their parents' sides when they ended the show with their commanding and grand entrance.
It turned out to be an experience better than any of us had anticipated. And one that I am glad came together when the time was right so I could see that sometimes when we step outside of our comfort zones, when we don't resist what is meant to be, life always serves us up with experiences that bring us great joy. Just how interrelated everyone and everything is. And that we still have so much to learn every single day when we are open. When we don't judge. When we don't shut off our minds. Even sometimes when we move outside our comfort zones.
When the time is right, everything slots into place. There are no bumps in the road. No wrong turns. No mistakes. Just a time filled with joy as was the day heaven sent from above yesterday for my family. Out in nature. Learning about other creatures that share this life with us - birds of prey. Realising how there is not much difference between them and us. While at the same time learning so much more about life and the importance of taking advantage of situations when the time is right. Because everything feels right and goes right. Like clockwork.
In gratitude for yesterday for allowing me to embrace the concept promoted by Stuart Wilde that, "Life is Never Meant to be a Struggle."