Thinking about a bird.

I was in my recliner the other day, with my laptop and my cat, and we heard a "thump" against the plate glass window. Of course, we both look, and as I do, I see three more cats react very quickly. I knew it was probably a bird had flown into the window.

I go out and sure enough, it was a bird. Head/neck cocked a little funny, but I picked it up and was glad to see it moved it's head and latched onto my fingers.

So, I waited. I cupped it gently, sat down on the porch swing, and waited. I looked the bird over, yellow belly and throat, grey or olive back and head. White circles around the eyes. Straight beak. It was (I would find out later) a common yellowthroat.

It settled down so it's belly was on my fingers. It closed one eye slowly, and I thought it was dying. It opened that eye, and the closed the other one slowly. Then that eye opened.

It then began turning its head from side to side slowly, checking things out. Then its movements got sharper. Finally, it spread it's wings out and jumped to the arm of the porch swing ... and pooped while looking at me. (Hey, I took that as a thank you!)

One of my cats had been watching me, and when the bird flew a bit, but was still disoriented, I had to chase the cat away. After about 10 seconds, it flew away into the dusk. I like to think it went on about its life, free and healthy.

It was wonderful.