A message from a kestrel
Kestrels take time to carefully calibrate their next move rather than acting haphazardly. They are a beautiful reminder of the art of conservation, patience and mindfulness
Do you ever notice something and then realise that same thing is happening more around you?
I have been incredibly lucky and been having a Kestrel Week this week! It all started a few nights ago when I was pottering around in the garden at dusk and became aware of a bird hopping to and fro between the lawn and a fruit tree just behind me. It flew like a woodpecker, was catching worms like a thrush, and had the head of a bird of prey… all a bit unusual. When I looked more closely I was amazed to see a beautiful male kestrel, not in its usual position high above me doing that characteristic ‘hover’, but right down next to me on the ground!
Then, when I went out for a walk yesterday, I sat for a while on a hilltop. I spotted a couple of them up above, hovering away, always taking their time to carefully calibrate their next move rather than acting haphazardly. “Slow down” was the message that was calling to me as I sat…. “slow down”.
Kestrels are true masters of the winds, knowing which one will take them toward their goal. Once they find a target, they can reach speeds of around 40 mph should the situation require. They get there, but they don’t use their energy without forethought.
My kestrel encounters have been a beautiful reminder of the art of conservation, patience, and mindfulness. I never regret taking the time to stop, breathe and notice. It brings clarity and purpose, and almost always improves both quality and efficiency in my task-based work. Yet it can be so hard prioritise that time or create that space in a busy life with multiple spinning plates.
My garden friend returned last night - same time, same place, and now I know about him I’m sure I’ll see him more often!
As you go about your busy day today, I invite you to think about the following question: “What message is calling to you as it is carried in on the wind?”