Raptors, falcons and rain-fed philosophers

Some need corns and calluses
to take a leap of faith
and start anew; others wouldn’t
dare jump unless they
wore boots sturdy enough
to land on the moon.

I feel intoxicated whenever I see a bird of prey soar high. I have always been fascinated by them. Their dagger-like talons. Anxious mouths with fishhooks for beaks. Beady eyes that boast of razor-sharp vision. And a grace in flight that makes them the ballerinas of the skies.

A few years ago I first heard that some birds of prey soar above the clouds when it starts to rain. I distinctly remember having my mind blown to smithereens by this piece of information. It was as though they were rising above their problems, letting go of things they were not in control of.

I was inspired by their will to not just survive, but thrive with intelligence and pride. Their strength and fortitude to stay in flight even when unforeseen forces try to bring them down.

Over two years, I have spotted a variety of falcons and raptors. I have showcased a few of them in flight. My camera does not cost more than my television; it barely out-classes a nice pair of cargo pants I have. These photos are nowhere close to being in good enough quality to showcase how magnificent these birds are.  But no matter which part of the world you hail from, there is a chance that a bird of prey might be soaring above you sometime during the day. The next time you spot one, let the moment last a minute longer.

On a different and infinitely more disappointing note, just so that you know, our winged friends have not been spared the slithering hate of discrimination.

The Black Kite is also named the Pariah Kite. The word “pariah” implies an “outcast” or “undesirable” of some sort. In my country’s history, the term was used to define a person of a low caste. There are also the Red-Backed Sea Eagles, which are commonly referred to as Brahminy Kites. The term “Brahmin” refers to a people of high caste.

And we wonder why birds poop on our vehicles.