Taking on the world with black shoulders

I never had any major inclinations toward animals as a child, not that I can remember anyway. Yes I interacted with my dogs and the mole my dad saved when I was 3. There were times I'd hold funeral services for dead moths and lizzards but it never seemed to be an all encompassing passion.

My cousin Cole on the other hand was obsessed with snakes, birds and wildlife in general. From an early age he could recall names, habits and colouring of all creatures great and small that surrounded him in the coastal town of Umtentweni and sometimes beyond.

It is only in my adult years that I've appreciated all those special moments when a Praying Mantis greets you at your front door, a Barbet serenades you outside your window and being up close and personal with an African elephant is nothing less than a spiritual experience. 

Bananas for Birding

In the last 18 months I've noticed a pull towards birds. This happened one day while standing in my home and a visitor pointed out the many bird motifs on my cushions, tablecloths and kitchenware. I chuckled about it as I realised the uncanny gravity toward these creatures, one that I had never noticed before that day. Often while washing dishes I would stare out the window at the birds in the trees, I'd save them when I got the chance and I'd listen quietly as their enthusiastic chirping resonated through my bathroom window. Sure I like birds, but I didn't realise that I loved them. 

As I got to know myself a little better I realised I actually adored birds, visited bird shows, interacted with owls and falcons at the Dullstroom Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Centre and have even considered a couple of feathered tattoos. Birds are just the epitome of grace, peace and freedom - unique mirrors of us as humans as they are to each other as a species.

A New Flock of Friends

Along my route to work, powerlines mirror the double tar road into Kyalami. I often noticed large birds perched on these lines in the weeks following my initial employment in the area (Black Shouldered Kites I have learned) their poise drew my attention to the other empty space between the road and the sky. They have since become omens of love and faith in my life, saluting me along the path to and from the office every day - my own personal joy guides. 

Interesting facts about the Black Shouldered Kite got me thinking about my own life and how many lessons present themselves in this gorgeous animals behaviour. Perhaps one could pull a feather from the cap of the Black Shouldered Kite.


Lessons from Above

To give you some background these birds sit perched on a wire, looking down at the ground below. They can be spotted hovering in the sky in an effortless fixed position. Once they locate their next meal on the ground below, they dart downwards grasping their prey within seconds. Its an amazing thing to watch and very unusual to see for the first time. Here's my take on lifes lessons from above.

• Sit high, see low - Patience and focus are rewarded.
• If at first you don't succeed - find another viewpoint.
• Swoop when the time is right - If it isn't, another opportunity will always present itself.
• Scan your landscape - the more you research you do, the higher your chances of finding the answers you're looking for.
• Soar beyond your confort zone - Rain or shine you have to do what it takes to survive.
• Don't lose your grip - You may not realise you have it in you, until you're desperate enough to try.
• Rise above it - Sometimes "hovering" over a circumstance before making a decision is the difference between a hit and a miss - don't be hasty.
• Streamline Yourself - The less you resist, the easier your journey.
• Chatter less, Listen more - What does your heart say?
• Teamwork pays off - There's greater success in numbers. 
• Kiss like a Kite - Every morning greet the world with new hope, kiss the sky and never give up.

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