Candida Meyrick, a breast cancer survivor, found a unique bond with Bird, a Harris's hawk she acquired during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bird, whose full name is Sophia Houdini White Wing, can fly at speeds over 35mph and has a wingspan of 1.5 metres. Meyrick describes the hawk's incredible personality, including a sense of humour and a judgmental attitude towards her footwear.
A Hawk's Arrival During Lockdown
Meyrick's youngest son developed a fascination with birds of prey at age six, drawing pictures and learning facts. Living on Anglesey, Meyrick decided to get a hawk. Bird hatched from a breeder and joined the family during lockdown, providing a daily routine of flying sessions with a local falconer at 2pm, rain or shine.
Remarkable Abilities and Personality
Bird's eyesight is eight times sharper than a human's, allowing her to spot prey from great heights. She can shapeshift, imitating tree branches or trunks to hide. Meyrick notes that Bird has a great sense of humour and is very judgy about footwear, turning her back if Meyrick wears the wrong boots.
An Unforgettable Hug
Approaching the moult season, when birds shed feathers and stop flying, Bird surprised Meyrick by wrapping her right wing around her for 20 minutes during a walk home. Meyrick calls it an actual hug, a moment of connection with a wild predator she finds incredible.
Life Lessons from a Hawk
Having survived breast cancer ten years ago, Meyrick vowed to stop making excuses and do what brings her joy. She says, 'In your short life, you've got to make the most of it, write the things you need to write, paint the things you need to paint, and say yes to a Harris's hawk.' Her book, 'Be More Bird: Life Lessons from a Hawk', is published by William Collins (£16.99).
