Agility and mastery in the air, a lightness and elasticity of flight: the red kite effortlessly rides the thermals, its tail and wings acting independently to catch every shift in the wind.  Arobatic in its movements, it is capable of fast swoops and twisting dives. Silent while hunting, it otherwise has a thin, high pitched mew-like call.   This magnificent bird of prey is on the “Red” list of endangered species of the International Union For The Conservation Of Nature (IUCN).  However, it has successfully been re-introduced back into areas like the Chilterns by English Nature and the RSPB.  It’s estimated there could now be up to four hundred breeding pairs.

When I moved to the Chilterns last year, I found the red kite an immediately inspiring metaphor.  It encapsulates a finely-tuned, disciplined approach to thriving and surviving, coupled with flexibility, theatre and style. To wake up in the morning to the sight of this bird floating above the hills and woodland, is a great privilege; it has the power to energise and motivate, and leaves one with a real sense of being in the present moment – open and ready to respond to whatever life presents.

 

Related links:
www.rspb.org.uk