We're all going on a summer holiday

Holidays by the seaside are almost invariably full of seagulls. Sometimes the days are over without a gull being noticed. For rest involves switching to a lower gear, attending to little above the necessary. Inward looking does not notice what is looked at, things are seen but not registered. The mood inside starts off lethargic, ignoring the detail, sensing the whole with sighs real or withheld.

Energy returns gradually, the purpose of the exercise. Curiosity thankfully resurges and anything may take the fancy. Until the colour or shape of a bird comes into focus and long-lost natural bits greet anew. Feeling human returns at a welcome level, bonding with sea, sky and creatures.

These birds waiting quietly are social in fascinating ways. Complex relationships and hierarchies become clear from continued watching of their movements, listening to their calls and noticing bird society reactions. They watch each other just like people do (each other more than them), following cues for concerted response. They avoid danger, capitalise on opportunities, each day full of unexpected bird events.

Graceful movement ranges from soaring high on thermals conserving energy to agile manoeuvres when sudden predator arrival allows discovery of latent capabilities, saved for the other kind of rainy day. Full freedom in action demonstrates command of the available space. It clearly all belongs to them. Continually capitalising on the diversity of options of the moment, they understand their environment. Be it sea, land, urbanised modifications or the pristine nature of their ancestors.

Finding food is, of course, ongoing. Alertness for that never wavers. Every useful discovery by a watchful clan member that is present on the day is soon pounced upon by all nearby. This is shared all around, not willingly but in accordance with individual skills and strength. The lion's share is in the system, also where no lions are present. 

When the action is over, they sit like this in rest. The bustle of nature restores the peace of mind in the overextended human spirit.