Look at the Birds of the Air

Some of my friends accuse me of obeying one particular command of Jesus, ‘Look at the Birds of the Air...’ (Matthew 7: 26) with particular enthusiasm and diligence. Those same friends greeted my news that I would be involved in a seven-week locum ministry in the Falkland Islands with a knowing grin!

For well over 50 years, I have been an enthusiastic bird watcher and wildlife photographer. Some of you have seen me wandering around the harbour or even further afield at Cape Pembroke with my binoculars and camera with a large lens attached. The lens is somewhat excessive given how tolerant, in general, the local wildlife is of human visitors.

One of my great joys is to lead Christian retreats that combine birdwatching and Christian reflection and worship around the theme of God’s Wisdom and Providence in Scripture and Creation. The late, great, Anglican Bible teacher John Stott has been a major influence on my life - not least because he too was an enthusiastic birdwatcher; I recommend to you his delightful book The Birds our Teachers which shows us the many points in scripture where the birds can give us insight into faith. He invented the word ‘Ornitheology’ referring to the blend of scientific study and religious appreciation of birds.

Not only Christians but other contemporary authors have explored the ability of birdwatching to enhance mental health and wellbeing in general. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is using the catchy phrase ‘Duck the stress’ to encourage guests to visit its reserves on World Wetlands Day (2 February) claiming that just 10 minutes spent in a wetland is enough to boost your mood! Claire Thompson of Bird Life International in her book The Art of Mindful Birdwatching: Reflections on Freedom & Being comments how birds inspire mindfulness and mindfulness enhances birdwatching - a helpful and healthy process. Robert Lynd comments that ‘In order to see birds, it is necessary to become a part of the silence.’

Taking time to examine closely the detailed beauty and activities of the birds around us demands our focus and ensures we are ‘fully present’ - in that way to appreciate both our surroundings and what God may have to say to us. Matthew 7: 24 points us to see God's provision and care in creation as encouragement to focus on seeking first God's Kingdom rather than fixating on our own priorities.

With every good wish, Dale Hanson, Locum Priest at Christ Church in the Falklands Islands