This winter a male cardinal hit our window and broke its neck instantly. I went out and picked up his still-warm body in my hand and thought, I have never held something more beautiful than this in my hand. When the female cardinal came to the birdfeeder later that day I found myself apologizing to her, and then I immediately ordered some reflective stickers for our windows. Will it work? No idea. But I had to do something.
Lyrical and poignant. Thanks, Jason. In response to your invitation to share, I’ll offer not my longer encounters like yours (which I’ve been enjoying among birds for half a century) but only moments with birds this past month during my travels to meet the spring in the American Southeast:
- A Roseate Spoonbill’s bill laid flat and obvious in flight low and overhead.
- An Osprey snatching Spanish Moss on the wing for nesting material.
- Ruby-crowned Kinglets belting out energetic, extensive and breathless songs.
Short yet joyful and meaningful. All gifts. And they’re flying north toward you in Maine. Well, okay, maybe not the Spoonbills (despite one turning up in Piscataquis County a few years back). 😀
Thank you for sharing your bird memories, and the beautiful photos. It is such a gift.
Bonnie Gerrard
This winter a male cardinal hit our window and broke its neck instantly. I went out and picked up his still-warm body in my hand and thought, I have never held something more beautiful than this in my hand. When the female cardinal came to the birdfeeder later that day I found myself apologizing to her, and then I immediately ordered some reflective stickers for our windows. Will it work? No idea. But I had to do something.
Thanks for sharing this and for using he/she instead of it for when you refer to birds. They are sentient beings not inanimate its.
Thanks Jason. This was different and a wonderful read. I signed the petition and sent it on to my friends. I’m appalled, but then.... 🐙 :(
Lyrical and poignant. Thanks, Jason. In response to your invitation to share, I’ll offer not my longer encounters like yours (which I’ve been enjoying among birds for half a century) but only moments with birds this past month during my travels to meet the spring in the American Southeast:
- A Roseate Spoonbill’s bill laid flat and obvious in flight low and overhead.
- An Osprey snatching Spanish Moss on the wing for nesting material.
- Ruby-crowned Kinglets belting out energetic, extensive and breathless songs.
Short yet joyful and meaningful. All gifts. And they’re flying north toward you in Maine. Well, okay, maybe not the Spoonbills (despite one turning up in Piscataquis County a few years back). 😀