More Rambling

A university lecturer had once commented that my work was not scientific enough and that I ought to consider journalism. I had the time and the inclination to write about the kestrel. It is a favourite creature of mine – its adaptability and skills second to no other creature. So I set to work without any real clue where I was going, other than I really wanted the piece published in a favourite magazine; the Northumbrian. Unfortunately the periodical already had someone to cover birds, so my kestrel piece was not to see the light of publication just yet. The editor did show an interest in my planned hedgehog piece and it was to be my first published piece of work. But the kestrel still holds a special place in my heart. Although I am not aware of the kestrel being a bird of good omen, it is to me. When I see that hovering shape I can’t help but smile inside. This fascination almost ended in disaster when I was driving the head ranger’s van to the Cash and Carry. There was a kestrel hovering behind a hedge at head height and it took my attention from what I was doing at the time; driving. This is just one of the dangers of a fascination with wildlife.